Skip to content

Indigenous artist challenges people to re-assess environments with new project

The ‘Indigenous Illuminations’ transforms the ordinary into something new
18837335_web1_191007-VNE-IndigenousIlluminations2
Artist Jamin Zuroski holds up one of his creations for his Indigenous Illuminations project. (File Contributed/ Jamin Zuroski)

A Victoria artist is hoping his light installations will challenge people to reassess their environment.

Jamin Zuroski is an artist from the Namgis Nation, and his new project Indigenous Illuminations, transforms everyday florescent lights into works of art, with many designs inspired by First Nations culture and folklore, and others simply from nature.

Some of these designs include a Thunderbird, feathers, salmon, butterflies, frogs, hummingbirds, ravens and faces.

ALSO READ: Indigenous artist Carey Newman is a witness to our times

“I want us to re-associate ourselves with how we work and play,” Zuroski said. “It doesn’t matter which culture you’re from, but it’s just a reminder of the kind of connections you can have throughout the day.”

Zuroski’s creations have only been publicly available for about a month, but he’s already sold 100 designs to the Victoria Native Friendship Centre in honour of its 50th anniversary. He’s also been in discussions with the University of Victoria, the Indigenous Perspective Society, the Greater Victoria School District and businesses in Port Alberni.

ALSO READ: Indigenous Artist Archie Andrew Chases A Vision

Zuroski hopes that having art available in such everyday spaces will give people a moment to pause and reflect.

“I want people to look up and be able to reconcile with ourselves, friends, family and community; I want there to be dedication to continue to give our gifts to the community, and I want there to be appreciation for the beautiful land we have and the ancestors who paved the pathway.”

For more information you can visit jaminzuroski.com.

nicole.crescenzi@vicnews.com

18837335_web1_191007-VNE-IndigenousIlluminations3
One of the Indigenous Illuminations installations by artist Jamin Zuroski. This one is titled “Thunderbird’s Journey”. (File Contributed/ Jamin Zuroski)