The Arts Project: ‘See Me’ and ‘Callow’ installations

London–Sean Couchie is bringing awareness to missing and murdered aboriginal women at The Arts Project. The ‘See Me’ exhibition focuses on the 72 cases in Ontario. With over a dozen pieces in the show, many people saw hope, anguish and beauty.

Rod Moreley, a spectator says he feels, “Hopeful,” after seeing the gallery. Adding, “cause it ‘s shining a light on a subject that a lot of people don’t like talking about.

According to the RCMP, there are 1,181 missing and murdered aboriginal women across Canada. 105 girls and women yet to be found. And 120 unsolved homicides.

In an online RCMP document, ‘This report concludes that the total number of murdered and missing Aboriginal females exceeds previous public estimates. This total significantly contributes to the RCMP’s understanding of this challenge, but it represents only a first step.’

The next step was taken upon Couchie, to bring further awareness to the subject. His art is very emotional, showing many scenes of disappearing animals, extreme sadness. Among the deeply emotional pieces, there are over 1,200 golden birds along a wall signifying the women. At the end of the wall was a bucket with more birds for spectators to take home.

Justus feels, “It’s amazing work. He’s an amazing artist. His work is phenomenal,” adding, “Some of it is pretty amazing. There are a few pieces that are generic for native artwork. But there are a few pieces that blew my mind. One I wanted was already sold. The other I flipped a coin with my sister-in-law and lost. We both wanted it.”

The gallery was consistently rotating with people. One women even tearing up at the sight of the birds.

Stephanie Soloorzano, associate with the ‘See Me’ project, says, “I think it’s gorgeous.” Her favourite piece is the Broken Circle, “You can see the emotion in her face. You can see the feeling in it, you know? And all the birds, it’s a big symbol in this project. It symbolizes all the missing and murdered women. So, I really love that he captured that in there.”

The golden birds are in contribution with the At^Lohsa Native Family Healing Service, who worked with Couchie helping with respect of the affected families. The ‘See Me’ exhibition will continue to show till May 23rd.