Catherine Boivin VIVA! Art Action
© Catherine Boivin, Nipi, 2016. Photo : Myriam Baril-Tessier
As part of the Festival VIVA! Art Action, taking place from September 13 to September 16, 2023
A presentation supported by OBORO
Strongly inspired by Atikamekw culture, Catherine Boivin’s works open up reflections on current events, modernity, and history. The artist tackles themes of particular relevance to Indigenous peoples, such as the role of women, beauty standards, forced sterilization, the occupation of land, and colonialism. In doing so, Boivin deconstructs stereotypical views (both positive and negative) and offers a personal and contemporary reading of her culture. An avid runner, bodybuilder and athlete, Boivin has explored physicality in great depth, questioning how physical endurance is embodied in cultural practices, from nomadism to the present day. Within the context of her performances, the multidisciplinary artist creates her own rituals to heal harm and performs gestures that make wounds radiate resilience.
Initiated by Patrick Lacasse and Alexis Bellavance, VIVA! was founded in 2006 by six artist-run centres from the Greater Montreal area to support the production of events dedicated to the presentation and advancement of action art practices and knowledge. The organisation’s energies are primarily focused on VIVA! Art Action, an international biennial that provides the public with a convivial context in which to encounter performance art in its most striking and avant-garde forms.
© Catherine Boivin, Nipi, 2016. Photo : Myriam Baril-Tessier
Originally from the community of Wemotaci, Catherine Boivin is an Atikamekw Nehirowisiw living in the Abenaki community of Odanak. She took part in the group exhibition De tabac et de foin d’odeur. Là où sont nos rêves (2019, Musée de Joliette) and, in 2022, presented her first solo exhibition at daphne, a indigenous artist-run centre. Since 2022, she has been sitting on the board of directors of Wapikoni Mobile. A marathon runner, fancy shawl dancer, lecturer, and activist, Catherine Boivin plays many roles.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Manoushka Larouche.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Manoushka Larouche.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
Catherine Boivin, performance as part of the VIVA! Art Action festival, September 15, 2023. Photo: Paul Litherland.
