The Polygon Gallery proudly presents a new commission in the Della and Stuart McLaughlin Gallery, curated by Joelle Johnston, Indigenous Liaison. In the Artist’s words:

“We raised ourselves, together and alone is a new iteration of an ongoing work that has focused on three generations: my Grandmother, my Mother, and I. This work is comprised of hides in different forms, from raw hide, through smoked raw hide to buckskin. Hide-tanning is one of the traditional material practices that determine my connection to land, to my Lil’wat identity, and to family. This ancient process is also integral in telling my story and asserting my culture in public spaces through its presence as a medium and its natural smoky emanation. My thinking throughout the creation of this installation has involved acknowledging the ancestors and family from the previous generations that have led to me being here today; it is equally dedicated to imagining the future generations, holding onto hope, as we live in a world that is in a state of uncertainty.” – Sydney Frances Pascal

About the Artist
Sydney Frances Pascal is a member of Líl̓wat nation. She is currently living and working on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Her multi-disciplinary practice includes hide tanning, video, sound, and poetry. She uses her practice to tell her family’s story, speak about identity and what it is like navigating as an Indigenous person within a colonial society. Her work over the past few years is grounded by her continued connection to land-based material practices. Most recently, she has exhibited her films in the Whitney Biennial 2024: Even Better Than the Real Thing.

Learn More

North By Northwest on the CBC: We raised ourselves, together and alone at The Polygon Gallery

Please note: To access this exhibition space, guests need to descend a short flight of stairs.

Banner Image: Sydney Pascal, kwékwa7 skicz7a wi kwimtscen (detail)