In his exhibition Dark Chapters\, David Garneau presents meticulously \;rendered \;metaphorical&nbs p\;still life \;paintings \;of objects set in intriguing\, deliber ate arrangements. These configurations \;illustrate \;the intertwi ned reality of modern and traditional Indigenous life alongside the compli cated ramifications of colonization. \;Garneau titled the exhibition D ark Chapters \;to \;conjure \;Justice Murray Sinclair&rsquo\;s description of the residential school system \;in the \;Reports&n bsp\;of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission \;as &ldquo\;one of th e darkest\, most troubling chapters in our nation&rsquo\;s history.&rdquo\ ; \;As with traditional still life \;painting\, the items in Garne au&rsquo\;s work carry deep \;significance\, associations\, and storie s. \;The titles of Garneau&rsquo\;s paintings are also an important pa rt of his meaning-making\, which guide viewers toward understanding \; his \;intention \;while prompting thoughtful dialogue around \ ;reconciliation. \;
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David Garneau (Mé\;t
is Nation of Saskatchewan) is a Professor of Visual Arts at the University
of Regina. He is a painter\, curator\, and writer who engages creative an
d critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing\, being\
, and doing. \;He received the Governor General&rsquo\;s Award in Visu
al and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement\, was inducted into the Royal So
ciety of Canada (both 2023)\, and received The Order of Gabriel Dumo
nt Silver Medal and King Charles III Coronation Medal (both 2025). \;<
br /> \;
Dark Chapters \;is a touring exhibition cur
ated by Arin Fay \;from the Nelson Museum Archives &\; Gallery. It&
nbsp\;is \;accompanied by a publication of the same name.