Photo: Brody Burns, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, artist in residence Nov. 16 to Dec. 11. / Courtesy of Wanuskewin Heritage Park Facebook
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
A Cree artist has been selected as Wanuskewin’s next artist-in-residence, bringing a blend of traditional knowledge, abstract art and digital technology to the cultural site’s creative programming.
Brody Burns, originally from James Smith Treaty 6 Territory and now living in Saskatoon, will serve as Wanuskewin’s artist-in-residence from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park said Burns will explore themes of spirit and energy through abstract painting, digital media and augmented reality during the residency. His work combines Indigenous ways of knowing with contemporary artistic practices, inviting audiences to experience Indigenous worldviews through colour, movement and form.
Wanuskewin said Burns draws on traditional knowledge while incorporating a perspective that bridges spirit and science through his artwork.
Burns completed a master of fine arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 2023. His graduating exhibition, No Words Necessary, featured more than 30 works exploring the visualization of spirit and energy through abstract forms.
His artistic practice spans acrylic and oil painting as well as digital and augmented reality media. According to Wanuskewin, Burns has said digital technologies allow him to expand beyond traditional canvases while reimagining concepts rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan.
Burns has received several academic and artistic honours, including a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant, a Graduate Teaching Fellowship, a Graduate Scholarship Award and recognition through the Ohpinamake Award.
Visitors will have an opportunity to see the results of the residency in a feature exhibition at the Wanuskewin Art Gallery. The exhibition is scheduled to run from Feb. 6 to May 16, 2027.