44 Gaukel has partnered with the City of Kitchener to host their Artist in Residence for 2022/2023 – Bangishimo Johnston.

about the artist

Bangishimo (They/Them) is an IndigiQueer Anishinaabe originally from Couchiching First Nation located on Treaty #3 territory. They currently reside in so-called Kitchener located along the Grand River. Bangishimo is a community organizer, educator, and advocate. They are one of the co-founders of O:se Kenhionhata:tie, also known as Land Back Camp.

Their advocacy and photography has allowed them to visit over sixteen countries; taking photos and sharing the stories of those they meet along the way. Bangishimo’s work has been featured in numerous publications and has had their work on display across Canada. Most recently, Bangishimo won the Briarpatch Writing in the Margins Contest 2020, voted Best Photographer 2021/22 in the Community Edition, and recipient of the Waterloo Region Arts Award 2022.

Bangishimo’s project, The Medicines We Carry, includes a series of large-scale portraits that engage the local Indigenous, racialized, and Black communities in their production. The portraits, through their visual imagery, will explore the ancestral connection to the land and the medicines carried to maintain this connection. Bangishimo hopes to place Indigenous peoples in a future narrative while honouring the past histories

artist in Residence Program

The Artist in Residence program advocates for and supports artistic innovation and excellence in various disciplines of contemporary art.

Through this program, the City of Kitchener aims to facilitate and develop meaningful relationships between the community and the artist. Artists may take non-traditional routes to develop their careers, and as such, the program aims to support local artists with diverse cultural backgrounds, lived experiences and practices.

Stay tuned for future events and collaborations from Bangishimo at 44 Gaukel.