Red Visions

Gabriel Ottawa, Quannah

Red Visions of Casa Loma – An art exhibition featuring 13 artists from the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wabanaki, and Cree nations

January 13 – February 14, 2025
Casa Loma, Tkaronto/Toronto

Curated by Alyssia Maiorano
Assistant Curators Isabelle Segui and Tessa Delaney-Girotti

Red Visions invites artists to share their visual perspectives and personal histories, filling in the gaps in Casa Loma’s contemporaneity. The Indigenous-led exhibition celebrates the works of 13 artists from the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wabanaki, and Cree nations: Tracey Anthony, Jack Manidokaa Bradley, Ciaran Head-Smith, Brent Henry, Arnold Jacobs, Emily Kewageshig, Brandon Lazore, William Haduweñtha Logan, Gabriel Ottawa, Shayde Sandy, Jessica Somers, Tisha Thompson, and Bruce Boots. The exhibition focuses on each artist’s voice, connecting communities, and sharing experiences – guiding visitors through the exhibition with minimal curatorial intervention.

Tisha Thompson, Corn Husk Skirt

Casa Loma, which is situated upon Treaty 13, signed by the Mississaugas of the credit and is the traditional territory of numerous Indigenous nations, places 39 stunning artworks in conversation with the museum’s period rooms. The works are positioned amongst the western-dominated art within Casa Loma’s existing collection. Offering it as a site for expansive interpretation, the historic suites will host 39 artworks in conversation within Toronto’s Edwardian context. 13 artists showcase their range of methodologies, from traditional Indigenous motifs to contemporary pieces that demonstrate the multiplicity and talent of Indigenous artists.

In collaboration with Seeing Red Media, an Indigenous-owned media company based on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, artists infuse their perspectives into the rooms of one of Toronto’s most iconic heritage sites. The exhibition will run from January 13 to February 14. The show will increase cultural accuracy and representation of Indigenous people in all forms of media and art, in alignment with Seeing Red Media’s mission to elevate Indigenous stories. Tickets are on sale now at www.casaloma.ca.

Shayde Sandy, Jagwadeth

Red Visions illuminates perspectives that have always existed and are historically excluded. This exhibition aligns with Seeing Red’s mission to elevate Indigenous stories, allowing artists to demonstrate the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island since time immemorial.

Towering above the city in midtown, sits one of the largest reminders of Europe’s influence on early Canada – Casa Loma. An eclectic of European architectural styles, Toronto’s castle calls to the past and its curators seek to future diverse perspectives. Built in 1910 by Canadian Financier Sir Henry Pellatt, the man who brought hydroelectricity to Toronto from Niagara Falls, powering the streets, homes, and transit. Built as a legacy to the metropole, much of Casa Loma was built to centre settler perspectives. Casa Loma’s exhibition program aims to reimagine the interpretative opportunities of the castle to establish and maintain a sense of shared ownership of Casa Loma with its surrounding communities. Synonymous with the sentient experience of the early 20th century ingenuity, Casa Loma immerses visitors through the exhibition of historic art and art objects – telling one fraction of the story of early Toronto.

Brent Henry, Powwowpwr

Tkaronto/Toronto holds a deep, complex, and diverse history and present. This exhibition amplifies Indigenous voices, communities, and perspectives – stewarding the audience experiencing the art and quotes directly from the artists. The curatorial interpretation is minimal – providing space for the individual and collective voices of the works to speak louder than the western frameworks of the museum.

“We are proud to partner with Seeing Red Media to celebrate and amplify Indigenous art and culture within the walls of Casa Loma. This iconic venue has long been a space where history and creativity converge, and we are honoured to showcase the extraordinary talent and diverse voices of Indigenous artists. By fostering dialogue through art and artist talks, we aim to create meaningful connections and continue our commitment to supporting cultural representation in Toronto’s arts landscape.”
– Nick Di Donato, President & CEO Liberty Entertainment Group.

Red Visions builds on Liberty Entertainment Group and Seeing Red’s successful past partnerships, including the Runway of Rezilience, the Summer Sunset Concert Series, and Christmas at the Castle, which have already contributed to increasing the visibility of Indigenous arts and culture in mainstream spaces.

by Alyssia Maiorano

Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
Toronto, ON M5R 1X8
Canada
(416) 923-1171
info@casaloma.ca
www.casaloma.ca

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