Niimikaage: she/he dances for a purpose
Josh Morley, 2024
About the work:
“Though there are many cultural dances related to the Anishinaabe, the Jingle Dance may be the most renowned. It is a symbol of community and healing that is specific to North American Indigenous communities. There are many stories about the dance's origin. However, all share the narrative that the dance came about through a vision and was used to bring a sick child back to health.
In performing the dance, one foot is always grounded to remind us of our connection to the Earth. As a participant dances, cones jingle and sing out to the world asking for health and wellbeing for themselves, their family, and their community. With such great asks, the dance is always performed with purpose.
The Jingle Dance reminds us that every place is an opportunity. An opportunity for being purposeful in our intentions related to people and our environment. Its performance honours culture as well as one’s place and role within community and family.
Since its beginning, the Jingle Dance has proliferated through communities through sharing and knowledge exchange. Themes that I believe are representative of the Maker Space. There is a feeling of fellowship associated with sharing knowledge which adds to the strength and bond within a community.
The proposed mural, titled Niimikaage, meaning “s/he dances for a purpose” in Anishinaabemowin, is meant to reflect on place, relationships, and community. At its surface, Niimikaage is a dynamic interpretation of the Jingle Dance. But the energetic dance, steeped in history, spiritually, and culture, means so much more than what can be viewed on the surface.”
- Josh Morley
Announcing our 2024 Maker Space Mural Artist,
Josh Morley
Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) is an Anishinaabe artist, currently working in screen printing and mural work in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong.
His work explores regional ecological issues, his personal relationship with nature, as well as his ancestral connection to the land. He has been part of solo and group shows within Ontario, the latest being the Our Story: Past and Present Indigenous group show held at the Museum of Dufferin in Mulmur, Ontario. He has also created a number of public pieces in Peterborough. Most notably, his road mural titled Glacial Formation for the 2022 Renaissance on Hunter - Road Mural Project. In 2023, he was granted the opportunity to take part in the Peterborough Change Makers Artist Residency. In this residency he worked closely with City of Peterborough staff and other stakeholders to better understand climate change and its effect on the community.
Josh Morley Creation Story, 2022
Josh Morley Flowers, 2023
Josh Morley Brilliant Berry, 2023
About the project:
In May of 2024 Artspace invited Indigenous artists from Turtle Island to submit proposals for a mural in our Maker Space to be installed this August, 2024. This call was open to individual artists (emerging and established), as well as artist teams and collectives.
The aim of this call was to work with an Indigenous artist(s) to install a semi-permanent mural at Artspace that creates visual recognition and a daily reminder that we operate on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg Territory. Our intention with this project is to honor this truth, and further our commitment to solidarity with Indigenous peoples, decolonization, and building a more just future on this land.
