MKG127 is very pleased to present Black Lives Matter, a new work by Sony Assu in MKG127’s lightbox.

Black lives are currently and have been continuously under threat in what is now known as North America, since– well, time immemorial.

Black Lives matter
Black Lives matter
Black Lives matter

This cannot be said enough. As a Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw person, I stand behind my Black kin. As an artist, I want to use my position to amplify Black voices.

Indigenous solidarity with Black Power
Indigenous solidarity with Black Power
Indigenous solidarity with Black Power

I have few words about this piece because my message is clear.

Black Lives matter
Black Lives matter
Black Lives matter

But if you find yourself lost in the 90s vibe on the landscape of my Ancestors and Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw symbolism, never forget this work was created as a response to the recent and senseless murders of innocent people.

Gila’kasla,
Sonny Assu, 2020

Sonny Assu is an interdisciplinary artist whose diverse practice is informed by Kwakwaka’wakw and Western principles of artmaking. His work is often autobiographical and explores his family history to shed light on Canada’s treatment of the First People. His work can be found in the National Gallery of Canada, Seattle Art Museum, Vancouver Art Gallery, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, the Burke Museum, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Art Gallery of Ontario, the McMaster Art Museum and in various other public and private collections across Canada, the United States and the UK. Assu received his BFA from the Emily Carr University (2002) and his MFA from Concordia University (2017).  He currently resides in unceded Ligwiłda’xw territory (Campbell River, BC).