artist talk | tea and talk with Rachel Rozanski (ARCHIVAL EARTH)

About 50 percent of Canada is permafrost, and it’s thawing almost a century earlier than predicted. It is the foundation for Arctic ecosystems and in the last ten years, thawing and “permafrost slumps” have started to dramatically change the landscape.

This multimedia exhibit explores the concept of time on a geological scale through land change in Northern Canada, with a specific focus on the ways permafrost and water are being altered in the Anthropocene. Investigating permafrost thaw from the direct effects of small-scale mining to the results of large-scale global climate change, this project developed through creative practice and collaboration with scientists and Indigenous land-based researchers in the Yukon and Northwest Territories on Inuvialuit, Gwich’in, Dene, and Trondek Hwetch’in traditional territories, partially through summer and winter residencies at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture.

About the Artist: Rachel Rozanski is an interdisciplinary artist and PhD student whose creative research explores concepts of restoration and repair in environmental studies and disability studies. Through residency projects in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Iceland, she has collaborated with researchers and been inspired by scientific and land-based studies of permafrost degradation, pollution and adaptations for the Anthropocene. Using drawing, photography and video, Rachel portrays the creative survival of people, plants and animals in sick bodies and sick Lands, creating documentary art that is accessible and experiential. Her work has been exhibited in galleries internationally and across Canada including PAVED arts, Prefix Circuit Gallery, Two Rivers Gallery, the Canada Council for the Arts Ajagemo gallery, and Artspace Gallery for CONTACT Photography Festival.

Registration is not necessary, but we hope you will join us!