q̓ayisxn—Off the Rocks

q̓ayisxn—Off the Rocks curated by UBC Okanagan Gallery Curator, Dr. Stacey Koosel along wtih Curatorial Assistant Ryan Trafananko, features the work of emerging Syilx artist Taylor Baptiste. Baptiste’s work combines the traditional practice of pictograph making with contemporary sculpture to bring the cultural teachings of her ancestors “off the rock” and into three-dimensional space. This exhibition, Baptiste’s second in the Okanagan, features two large contemporary sculptures: How Turtle Set the Animal People Free and Flight of Union, which draw from the surrounding landscape, cultures and materials, and use a red ochre pigment to honor the stories, sites and stories of her ancestors.

q̓ayisxn—Off the Rocks

January 9 to 22, 2025, FINA Gallery

Artist talk & Opening Reception: Friday, January 10, at 4 pm, reception begins at 5 pm

Taylor Baptiste is an interdisciplinary artist from the Osoyoos Indian Band of the Okanagan Nation. She draws upon her upbringing in Nk’mip – a field of sagebrush and wild roses nestled between the mountains and Osoyoos Lake on the Osoyoos Indian Band reservation. Raised by Richard and Colleen Baptiste, her art practice is deeply rooted in her family, community and ancestral history. Moreover, she incorporates elements of Syilx storytelling and epistemologies, reflecting a connection to the land and waters of the Okanagan. Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art & Design in 2024.

Join us on Friday, January 10th beginning at 4:00PM for a free artist talk with Taylor Baptiste and an opening reception event to follow. The artist will be in attendance.

The exhibition was made possible by a grant from the British Columbia Arts Council.

q̓ayisxn—Off the Rocks Exhibition Essay