Blundstone Community Series: James Harry and Lauren Brevner
‘The Seventh’ marks the first solo exhibition by KWÍKWI: Lauren Brevner and James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry. The discursive project explores a pivotal moment in the artists’ decade-long collaborative practice and builds upon their significant contributions to intersectional conversations around Indigenous representation and land-based gestures in contemporary art.
The newly commissioned sculptural works presented within ‘The Seventh’ engage familial supports and knowledges, including Brevner’s Japanese and Trinidadian heritage and Harry’s ongoing commitment to sharing Sḵwx̱wú7mesh stories, forms, and designs. The exhibition pays homage to innovative material traditions while engaging experimentation through collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. From monumental public artwork to intimate portraiture, the multiple registers of scale and breadth of materials invite opportunities for diverse expression and experience.
This feature brings audiences into the artists’ studio, mentor Xwalacktun's home and workspace, and a tour of their large-scale public art installations throughout the lower mainland. Blundstone, gravitypope, and Or Gallery are honored to share the journey that led to the opening night of 'The Seventh’.
Read the full interview below and visit the exhibition at Or Gallery from Oct. 13, 2023, to Feb. 10, 2024, located at 236 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC.
Exhibition curated by: Jenn Jackson
Videography by: Justin Pelletier
Can you provide a brief introduction, including your names, your current location, and your artistic pursuits?
We are James Harry and Lauren Brevner, representing KWIKWI art and design. Our residence and creative endeavours are located on the ancestral lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh First Nations. We both identify as interdisciplinary artists.
WEARING THE BLUNDSTONE 1306.
How did your paths cross, and what ignited the inception of your initial artistic collaborations?
Our connection goes back to high school, after which James pursued Visual Art studies at Emily Carr, while Lauren ventured to Japan to apprentice under a designer and learn the language. The spark for our first collaboration emerged when James attended one of Lauren's art shows, where he noticed that some of her organic designs resonated with Salish art. He reached out to propose a collaborative project, which eventually led to our first carving exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
WEARING THE 1306.
WEARING THE 1306.
How would you characterize your collaborative artistic practice?
Our artistic practice is deeply rooted in exploring themes of identity, intersectional collaboration, and storytelling. The core of our work is exemplified in our carved pieces, where our collaborative journey began with "Sna7m" (Strong Spirit). We aim to symbolize the transformative power of collaboration, with the hope of inspiring others to engage in collaborative endeavours across various fields.
WEARING THE BLUNDSTONE 068.
How has the presence of a child impacted the evolution of your art?
Since the arrival of our daughter, Hana, our artistic practices have undergone significant transformations. The urgency behind our work has taken center stage. What was once mere dreams have now become a tangible reality, particularly within the context of Hana's world. This shift has added a deeper layer of meaning and importance to the messages we convey through our artwork.
WEARING THE BLUNDSTONE 068.
Can you discuss the convergence of cultures in your art, representing Lauren's Japanese/Trinidadian background and James's Coast Salish heritage?
Our artistic journey is marked by the discovery of shared elements that connect our backgrounds, transcending the distinctions. The exchange and learning experiences are a significant aspect of our creative process. For instance, our Super Natural Eye sculptures draw from the cultural significance of cedar, present in both Squamish carving practices and Japanese "yakisugi" (charred cedar). Identifying these intersections is a rewarding aspect of our artistic practice.
WEARING BLUNDSTONE 068s
What is the significance behind the title of your exhibition, "The Seventh"?
"The Seventh" holds profound meaning rooted in James's family history, specifically in the words of his grandmother, Gwen Harry. She highlighted that Hana represents the seventh generation in their family line since European contact. In Salish culture, there is a saying emphasizing the protection of resources for seven generations. This concept of stewardship in perpetuity deeply inspired us, along with the notion that it takes seven generations to heal. Hence, we titled our exhibition "The Seventh" to reflect this.
What are the predominant themes explored in this exhibition?
The exhibition encompasses a rich tapestry of themes, including intersectional collaboration, the preservation of ancestral and embodied knowledge, inquiries into identity, cross-cultural dialogue, exploration of Salish art forms, and the telling of Squamish narratives.
What were the most challenging aspects of organizing this exhibition?
The decision to independently produce this exhibition within a condensed timeframe added an extra layer of complexity. Crafting the artworks in such a short period, alongside managing other ongoing projects, presented significant challenges. Additionally, the responsibility of securing funding and logistical details was no small feat.
Can you share any upcoming projects you have in the pipeline?
We are thrilled to announce that we have recently been awarded a large-scale collaborative public art project as part of the new Granville and Broadway subway line. We also aspire to expand this collection of works with the goal of touring the exhibition across Canada.
WEARING THE BLUNDSTONE 1306.
Tell us about the Blundstone footwear you're currently wearing and what you appreciate about them?
We are currently donning the 068 model in Black. These classic boots offer versatility, allowing us to effortlessly switch between dressing up and dressing down, making them ideal for Vancouver's rainy seasons.
Do you have any acknowledgments or shout-outs you'd like to make?
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family and our support system, our village, for their invaluable assistance in raising our daughter and enabling us to transform our artistic vision into reality. The success of our work is attributed to the collective effort of many individuals, with their support serving as the foundation for our creative endeavours.
