Tracey-Mae Chambers’ #hopeandhealingcanada exhibition comes to Laurier’s Robert Langen Art Gallery

Oct. 2, 2023

Renowned Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers has brought her artwork that explores decolonization in the pursuit of Truth and Reconciliation to the Robert Langen Art Gallery at Laurier’s Waterloo campus in the exhibition #hopeandhealingcanada.

Chambers, whose studio is in Beamsville, Ont., in Niagara Region, adds that through her art practice, she hopes to “bridge the gap” by creating an approachable medium which peaks curiosity in exhibit observers.

“Through my work, I’m encouraging a dialogue about several themes: decolonization, truth and healing, and reconciliation between colonial settlers and Indigenous peoples,” says Chambers.

Suzanne Luke, university art curator of the Robert Langen Art Gallery, says Chambers’ unique work was chosen because of the university’s commitment to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which falls on Sept. 30.

"With each crocheted stitch or knitted loop, we witness an act of connectiveness," says Luke. "Chambers' work often echoes this sense of universal entanglement, asking viewers how do we move forward to develop meaningful understandings about coexistence, hope and healing, and forgiveness. This aligns naturally with the work we are committed to within the Laurier community, especially around the time of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”

Adopted as a child, the adult Chambers later discovered her Métis heritage which triggered a passion for art and family heritage. Most recently, she was invited to create a site-specific piece on the Porte-cochère of the Queen’s Entrance at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada’s governor general. In 2017, she was commissioned by the United Nations to craft six sculptures. Other previous venues hosting Chambers’ exhibitions include Niagara Falls Museum, Oshawa Museum and Lacombe Museum (Alberta).

Chambers’ #hopeandhealingcanada exhibition runs from Sept. 5 to Nov. 26, 2023. A meet-and-greet with Tracey-Mae Chambers is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 8, 4 to 6 p.m.

The gallery’s hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about the Robert Langen Art Gallery online.