Marika Swan ƛ̓upinup: A Circle Strong Enough to Carry Both Sides
The first solo-exhibition by Marika Swan, A Circle Strong Enough to Carry Both Sides explores her deeply woven understandings of the nature of duality held in all things. In elaborate, large-scale imagery, Swan depicts truths about the human experience through playful imaginings of spiritual realities. Using an emotional visual language entirely her own, Swan’s woodblock printmaking is informed by the rich philosophical and carving traditions of her Nuu-chah-nulth lineage. Introduced to printmaking as a tool for political organizing, her work speaks to the challenges and world we must face now. As the only public art museum dedicated to collecting works on paper, the Burnaby Art Gallery is honoured to host this exhibition, which features new works alongside Swan’s extensive portfolio.
Marika Swan ƛ̓upinup is a mother, artist, and community arts organizer of mixed Tla-o-qui-aht, Scottish, and Irish descent. Her main creative practice is exploring the Nuu-chah-nulth worldview through woodblock relief printmaking, often layered with other visual arts techniques, including carving, stencil, and photography. Marika’s extensive study of Nuu-chah-nulth ancestral belongings has informed a unique contemporary interpretation of the classic Nuu-chah-nulth aesthetic.
In the BAG:
A free drop-in program the explores themes found in the current exhibition with a hands-on activity. Great for families, friends and couples!
- December 14, 1-4 pm - Learn more
- January 25, 1-4 pm - more details coming soon
Beyond the Glass:
An Evening with the Curator–Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how our exhibitions come together with insight from the curators making it happen! Refreshments and alcohol will be served
- January 14, 6-8 pm - Registration required
Gallery Tour: Cantonese and Mandarin
Join us on Sunday, January 25, for a 25-minute tour in Cantonese and Mandarin. Free to register, 15 spots available for each tour. Register by calling 604-297-4422 (English only for phone registration), or register on Webreg.
- 12:30-12:55 pm (tour in Cantonese) – Registration required
- 1-1:25 pm (tour in Mandarin) – Registration required
Image credit: Marika Swan, Surrender (detail), 2025, woodblock on paper, 89.0 cm diam. Photography: Blaine Campbell.
Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10 am-4:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 12-5 pm