“Body Language: Reawakening Cultural Tattooing of the Northwest” at the MAG

The Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) presents a captivating travelling exhibition “Body Language: Reawakening Cultural Tattooing of the Northwest,” on display June 14 to September 30, 2023.

Delve into the rich artistry of historic and contemporary cultural tattooing, piercing and personal adornment on the Northwest Coast. Body Language is organized by the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Body Language invites visitors on a journey through an intimate look at historic and contemporary cultural tattooing and explores designs on skin and their relationship to traditional clothing, rock art, jewelry, basketry, and weaving. After 1885, tattooing and potlatches were banned, leading to the transfer of crest designs to clothing and jewelry. Body Language provides a glimpse of this rich history and artistry.

The exhibition features contemporary artists leading the revival of Indigenous tattooing in British Columbia, highlighting their efforts to reclaim traditional techniques, rights, and raise awareness of the protocols and significance surrounding tattooing traditions. These tattoos serve as personal stories, identity, and a sense of belonging. Each artist explores the history, symbolism, and artistry of Indigenous tattooing in their regions.