Ashley Fellow Shares Impactful Mission with Trent Community
Lara Kramer's work keeps Indigenous quest for justice front of mind
Honoured by her inclusion as the 40th distinguished Ashley Fellow at Trent, choreographer and multidisciplinary artist Lara Kramer (Oji-Cree) has been “much nourished by all the enthusiasm for, and thoughtful inquiry into” her debut work and process she presented in her artist talks and discovery of state of body workshops held on campus.
Working with strong visuals and narrative, Ms. Kramer’s work, described as both political and potent, has been presented across Canada and abroad. These works include Fragments (2009), inspired by her mother's stories of being in a residential school, and Native Girl Syndrome (2013), which exposes the marginalization and victimization of Indigenous women and the effects of cultural genocide.
Phantom Stills & Vibrations
At Artspace in Peterborough, Ms. Kramer’s newest work, Phantom Stills & Vibrations, which addresses the Pelican Falls Residential School has been featured, a “Must-See” by Canadian Art. Ms. Kramer also worked with Professor Nadine Changfoot and students Annette Pedlar and Clay Duncalfe to build-in accessibility elements, providing access into the installation through written descriptions.
“It is refreshing to experience such community involvement and feel the care given to an out-of-town artist,” said Ms. Kramer about her experience at Trent. “I hope to leave behind a greater awareness of the systemic issues and lateral violence that First Nations communities are forced to deal with every day.”
Warmly generous, with a profound impact
“Lara was exceedingly and warmly generous in sharing her research, field studies, multilayered process, immersive aesthetic practice, and the truths of Indigenous youth experiencing Residential Schooling in the north,” said Dr. Nadine Changfoot.
“Having the opportunity to interact with artists that are making a profound impact across Canada and the world is such a unique experience that Trent offers,” said Mary Carswell-Gates, fourth-year English Literature student who attended a few of the Ashley Fellow events. “Not only does it expand our Trent community across borders, but it is also a reminder of how we as students can take what we are learning in the classroom and apply it in meaningful and untraditional ways.”
Read more about the Ashley Fellowship at Trent. Lara Kramer was hosted by Champlain College and Gzowski College in partnership with Political Studies, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, Traill College, Seasoned Spoon, Public Energy, Bodies in Translation, and Artspace.
Photo courtesy of Stefan Petersen