Panelist, Panel 6 – Indigenous Digital Media Labs – Critical Mass
Jackson 2bears, is a Kanien’kehaka (Mohawk) multimedia installation/ performance artist and cultural theorist from Six Nations and Tyendinaga, who is currently based in Lethbridge Alberta, Canada—Treaty 7, Blackfoot Territory. Since 1999, 2bears has exhibited his work extensively across Canada in public galleries, museums and artist-run centres, as well as internationally in festivals and group exhibitions. In addition two new, interrelated, multi-year projects are currently in production—IIKAAKIIMAAT and Ne:Kahwistará:ken Kanónhsa’kówa í:se Onkwehonwe involve the development of large-scale, site-specific, multimedia installations, which are being developed in-community—one project in the Blackfoot communities near Lethbridge, and the other in 2bears’ home community of Six Nations. The first is expected to launch in 2020, and the second in 2021.
2bears holds a BA. in Art & Art History from the University of Toronto, as well as a Diploma in Fine Arts from Sheridan College, Oakville. He received his MFA from the University of Victoria during which time he produced digital media installation and performance artworks that variously explored themes of Indigenous heritage, resistance, and cultural renewal. In 2012 2bears completed his PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Victoria, Victoria BC. 2bears recently completed two terms as Audain Professor of Contemporary Art of the Pacific Northwest at the University of Victoria; he is currently Associate Professor of Art Studio and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts Research & Technology at the University of Lethbridge, AB. —Treaty 7, Blackfoot Territory.