Two River’s Gallery is showing Matrilineal is an exhibition featuring Sunset Prairie-based interdisciplinary artist Haley Bassett.
The exhibition will be shown in the Rustad Galleria from June 24 to August 7.
Bassett’s work connects to her Métis and Eastern European roots, where she harnesses the strength of her mothers and foremothers and unearths a new resilience within herself to traumas past and present.
Bassett’s exhibition is an impressive display of many art forms.
From embroidery and beadwork to painting and sculpture, she shows a broad range of skills honed during her time studying at Emily Carr University and Florence Academy of Art.
Bassett’s impeccably detailed work is the result of hours upon hours of thoughtful labour. Sculptural explosions of matryoshka dolls (also known as Russian nesting dolls) and lovingly beaded and embroidered textiles tell a story of connection, community, and resilience.
Through the use of feminized motifs, such as roses, beads, and dolls, Bassett artfully displays the power and strength of traditions passed down through generations of women in her family and from these she draws the power to find new ways to heal from gender-based violence.
Outside of her own visual arts practice, Haley Bassett is a pillar within the arts community of Northern British Columbia. She has developed programs to alleviate barriers to artistic professional development in the Peace Region in partnership with the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.
She was also appointed as the Executive Director of the Peace-Liard Regional Arts Council in September of 2021.
“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to support regional emerging artists in the Rustad Galleria. We are thrilled to be able to share this space with Haley Bassett and give the Prince George community an opportunity to learn about her and the powerful work she is doing,” says Kait Herlehy, Assistant Curator at Two Rivers Gallery.
The gallery will be hosting an opening reception on Thursday, June 23 at 5:30 .p,m. and Bassett will be in attendance to share insight into her practice and discuss Matrilineal.
