We were proud to collaborate with the Myseum of Toronto on their feature exhibit Discounted Histories which explores Toronto retail past! The exhibit looks beyond the concept of storefronts to think about retail as the movement of goods, services and ideas across our landscape. Working with Richael Laking, an Indigenous artist and one of the curators of the exhibit, ASI was able to provide the indigenous artifacts on display that reflect the complex trade routes that existed in Toronto before the arrival of Europeans, as well as the impact of Contact era European trade goods.
From the Myseum’s exhibit description: “This feature exhibit presents objects and artifacts from Toronto’s retail past and present. Installed as a non-linear survey, the historical and contemporary threads intertwine to reimagine new narratives. In this way, the traces of Toronto’s relationship with retail: a wampum bead; a sewing machine; a beaver pelt; or a mail order catalogue continue the dialogue that challenges the inequality of retail relationships that persists to the present day.”
Thursday, November 22 at 6pm Bonnie Devine, an Anishinaabe artist and OCAD Professor, will be speaking about the significance of land and water to Indigenous nations, the complex trade networks that existed, and the influence of colonial rule. Tkarón:to & Turtle Island: The Remarkable Indigenous Trade Networks will be held at the Toronto Media Arts Centre, at 32 Lisgar Street.
There are a series of smaller exhibits and programming that have been created to accompany the exhibit. Check out the Myseum’s website for the full info!
