Thames Art Gallery welcomes 2021 Governor General Award-Winning artist Bonnie Devine to Chatham-Kent.

Bonnie Devine’s exhibition La Rábida, Soul of Conquest: An Anishinaabe Encounter is now on display at the Thames Art Gallery until June 18, 2022. An opening reception, artist talk, and a special live choral performance by composer David DeLeary, originally from Walpole Island will be held on Friday, May 13 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

This exhibition comes at a pivotal time when public and government attention is focused on the Truth and Reconciliation process. Devine’s work in La Rábida draws on a repository of historic documents, monuments, and texts that report the violence and injustice of colonialism. The practice of truth telling is not new – some of the accounts cited in Devine’s exhibition date from as early as the era of initial contact. That these accounts are publicly accessible, yet largely ignored in dominant historical narratives reveals how easily power structures are maintained. Devine presents these documents with a stark honesty that lays bare the ongoing insidious effects of colonization.

Two other exhibitions accompany the work of this nationally renowned artist. Local artist Darla Fisher-Odjig presents her latest series of paintings and sculptures with Beneath the Mask and Lay of the Land fills the Mezzanine with a selection of historical landscape paintings from the permanent collection.

All are welcome to this free and family-friendly event. The gallery is open from Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Friday, May 13, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The artists will be in attendance for the opening reception on May 13 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This event will include an artist’s talk followed by a special choral performance in the gallery at 8:00 pm. You won’t want to miss it!

May 13, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Cost: 0

Event Website/Tickets  

Thames Art Gallery

75 William Street North
Chatham, N7M 4L4
Phone: 519-360-1998