Amber Smith-Quail: Nawemaa / To be related at the Dignam Gallery explores the importance of connections and the power of identity. Amber is a member of Alderville First Nation and an Indigenous artist and educator in Tkaronto and South Algonquin. Her art is deeply rooted in her Indigenous heritage, reflecting her thoughts on our world’s interconnectedness. She believes that when things are out of balance, they can affect our bodies, minds, spirits, and emotions. This imbalance ripples through our connections with everything around us—plants, animals, land, water, air, and, most importantly, each other.
One of the central themes in Amber’s art is the forced disconnection of First People from their ancestral lands. She uses her artistic talents to shed light on this painful history and highlights the importance of re-establishing those connections. She weaves a common thread of family and identity throughout her work. Amber comes from a mixed background—part white settler and part Anishinaabe. This blend of cultures has given her a unique perspective on the world.
Amber Smith-Quail’s solo exhibition at Dignam Gallery invites us to appreciate the rich tapestry of her heritage. The exhibition runs from September 7 until 26, 2023. For more information, visit womensartofcanada.ca and amberquailart.com
Dignam Gallery
Women’s Art Association of Canada
23 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto
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