In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, The Polygon is pleased to exhibit new work by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Namgis artist Austin Harry. Seagull, Raven, and The First Light is a mural on the Carrie Cates Court façade of The Gallery depicting a Northwest Coast legend of Raven and Seagull, in which Raven lives in a lightless world and longs for beauty and purpose. Harry illustrates the moment after Raven tricks Seagull into opening the box of light, releasing it into the world. The artist traces parallels between Raven’s freeing of the light and Indigenous people reclaiming their heritage and culture in the modern day. Harry newly renders West Coast design motifs using cutting-edge digital imaging, with references ranging from patterns found in blankets and traditional animal figures to contemporary graphic design. Through his work, Harry hopes to foster greater cultural understanding, sharing stories and legends held closely by his communities and ancestors.

About Austin Harry
For Austin Aan'yas Harry, art is both inheritance and innovation. He belongs to the Wolf Clan of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Thunderbird Clan of the Namgis Nation. Raised in a family of artists and trained in Coast Salish design by his father, Xwalacktun Rick Harry, he is part of a lineage that spans generations. His own practice carries that thread, using digital design to extend traditional forms into new mediums and contexts. Harry takes well-known imagery and renders it as modern Sḵwx̱wú7mesh illustrations.

Seagull, Raven, and The First Light
Raven lives in a lightless world and longs for beauty and purpose. He learns that Seagull is the keeper of a small box said to contain a brilliant light. One day, Raven devises a plan, gathering sea urchins and placing them outside Seagull’s longhouse. When Seagull steps outside, she steps on the spines, causing her great pain. The next morning, when Raven visits Seagull’s home, he finds her bedridden with pain, urchin spines lodged in her sore, swollen feet. Raven offered to help. Using a knife, Raven pokes at Seagull’s feet and says, “If only I had more light, I could get these spines out.”  When Seagull opens the box, Raven tips it over and the light spills out, filling the universe.

Curated by Joelle Johnston, Indigenous Liaison and Community Outreach

Banner Image: Austin Harry, Seagull, Raven, and The First Light (detail), 2026.