Martin Akwiranoron Loft, Inside Out Portrait Project in Association with JR, 2021, Photography, Courtesy of the artist.Tsi Ni Iohskatstanio / Beauty All Around
Martin Akwiranoron Loft
-From October 25th to December 15th 2024
Opening: October 25th at 17h
In 1985, Martin Akwiranoron Loft initiated a project, in which he wanted to photograph the Indigenous community in Montreal. A few years ago, he revived the project and photographed other persons from that community, as an hommage to the work he has done before.
“My goal is the render the diversity and beauty of Indigenous cultures, showcasing the richness of our humanity, traditions and the strength of our communities both urban and reserve based. Through my photography, I aim to break down negative stereotypes and misconceptions, and to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Nations. By highlighting our resilience and spirit through my images, I hope to inspire pride and empowerment within our communities, while also educating and enlightening others about our history and experiences.
It is important for our community to assert our narratives and to be seen and heard in a city that often overlooks our presence and often times renders us invisible. Though tragedy and hardships are often present, that clearly is not always the case. By utilizing the photographic method, I hope to create a visual record and to create a dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering empathy, respect, and mutual understanding.
I believe that art and artistic representation has the unique ability to transcend boundaries and connect us on a human beings, to act as a medicine to heal the rifts that divide us. I am committed to using my art practice to facilitate and amplify Indigenous visual representation, voices and stories both in urban settings such as Montreal and beyond.”
Credit : Vincent Drouin
Martin Akwiranoron Loft is an artist born in Kahnawá:ke. His work has been shown at the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian), the Canadian Museum of History, the McCord Museum and the Bundeskunsthalle, among others. He is a founding member of the Native Indian Inuit Photographers Association (NIIPA, 1985-2000). His work is included in the collections of the Indigenous Art Centre, the McCord Museum and the Musée de la civilisation de Québec.
