Jackson 2Bears, a Mohawk multimedia artist, shared insights during an artist talk after participating in a panel discussion. Currently based in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he teaches at the University of Lethbridge, Two Bears is known for blending his artistic practice with deep cultural and theoretical explorations. His talk delved into the integration of Indigenous perspectives within contemporary technology and art.
2Bears spoke about his recent projects and the philosophical underpinnings influencing his work, particularly the ideas of spatial philosophy as opposed to the Western focus on temporality. He cited the works of philosopher Vine Deloria Jr., emphasizing the contrast between tribal spirituality and Western ideologies. 2Bears highlighted the notion that landscapes are not merely physical spaces but living, storied entities that embody cultural narratives and histories.
Further, he discussed his collaborations with other Indigenous artists, exploring site-specific installations that engage directly with the land. These projects often involve immersive experiences that challenge conventional views of space and place, aiming to foster a deeper connection with the environment.
Throughout his presentation, Two Bears proposed a rethinking of technological engagement, advocating for an approach that respects and incorporates Indigenous cosmologies and methodologies. His discussion was not only a reflection on his artistic journey but also an invitation to consider more inclusive and culturally aware frameworks in the intersection of art, technology, and society.
This presentation was part of the symposium ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION which unites innovative artists engaged with emerging technologies. This focused on exploring and sharing their individual practices, experiences, and insights related to algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It served as a platform for an enriching exchange of ideas between the artists and the audience, aiming to contribute a distinctive artistic viewpoint to the ongoing discussions about our evolving relationships with machine collaborators. Each session, including this one, highlighted how these technologies are being integrated and reflected in contemporary artistic processes, encouraging a broader understanding and appreciation of the creative potential of new digital tools.
Tékeniyáhsen Ohkwá:ri (Jackson 2bears) is a Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) artist and cultural theorist from Six Nations of the Grand River and Tyendinaga. 2bears’ research-creation activities focus on Indigenous land-based histories and embodied cultural knowledge, wherein they explore the creative use of digital technologies as a means to support the innovation, transmission, expression, and transformation of FNMI creative and cultural practices in the context of our current digital epoch. 2bears is currently Associate Professor of Art Studio and Indigenous Studies, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Indigenous Arts Research & Technology, and Director of the Onkwehonwe Research Environment (ORE) at Western University.
Stories are written on the landscape, the landscape itself is animate, an embodied living archive.
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