2019 Feature Wall Artist: Siobhan Joseph
Title: The Matriarch
Artist: Siobhan Joseph - Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw)
Curated by: Linnea Dick - Kwakwaka'wakw, Nisga'a, and Tsimshian
Series: VMF Annual Feature Wall
Address: 2301 Main St
Generously Supported by:
More Info:
This is the first edition of the new annual VMF Feature Wall presented by LUSH. The mural will be repainted annually with artwork that showcases artist from underrepresented groups and/or issues of environmental, social, and economic justice. The wall is located at the intersection of E 7th Ave & Main St where tens of thousands of vehicles and pedestrians pass each day on their way into Mount Pleasant. Thanks to the Rumpus Room Restaurant at 2301 Main St who has donated their wall space for this project.
About Siobhan Joseph:
Siobhan Joseph is a young Squamish Nation woman, who is steadily building her reputation as creator of paintings that she describes as a reflection of both “traditional” styles of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest coast of British Columbia and more “realistic” portrayals of animals in particular.
Artist Statement:
“My piece is called ‘The Matriarch,’ and is inspired by my late mother Carol Joseph. As the matriarch of my family, she was outspoken, she protested, she loved children, and she believed in taking care of Mother Earth. The vision that came to me was a women in a pose that is welcoming and thanking, with a man and elder woman on each side of her, representing the men and elders of the community coming together to support her. She is dressed in red to honour the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, and I placed her in the sea and mountains, among the animals to represent connectedness.” - Siobhan Joseph
Vancouver Mural Festival’s Indigenous Programs support artists and organizations in the creation of public art and workshops for youth. We believe Coast Salish and other Indigenous artists have the power to reshape urban spaces by reflecting their contemporary and traditional values, stories, experiences, and ideas in this lasting and tangible way.
Vancity’s generous support enables us to better connect the stories of these programs with the public. Below you will find information in the form of videos, pictures, interviews, articles, and more.
Note: Our definition of Indigenous includes First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and in some cases First Peoples from around the world.
