Tsēmā Igharas: Tailings Pool

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Tsēmā Igharas, "Tailings Pool," 2021

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Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art’s STAGES biennial 2021 is pleased to present: Tailings Pool

A temporary public art project by Tsēmā Igharas

Pool Party | September 17, 7 - 11 pm 

Artist Talk with Tsēmā Igharas | September 18, 3 pm

Offsite at 87 Higgins Ave, Winnipeg, MB

Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art’s STAGES 2021 biennial is pleased to present Tailings Pool, a temporary public art project by Tsēmā Igharas, which will take place offsite at 87 Higgins Ave from September 17 to October 3, 2021.

An inviting, shimmery turquoise pool of water or a festering cesspool of toxicity? That is the question being offered by Igharas. Hiding in plain sight, making it all seem safe, are pools that mining companies dot the landscape with to hold or 'sanitize' their work. More commonly, in our suburban environment, we see retention ponds, pools of water that capture the pollutants and a feeble attempt to make safe what is unsafe. Tailings Pool is an invitation to ponder our relationship with reality and fantasy, how we hide what we don't like with what we wish it could be.  Igharas' Tailings Pool will invite the audience to a ditzy, kitschy, campy pool party that will be an active exploration of how we engage with the uncomfortable and how we make what causes discomfort and dress it up to our projections.

To celebrate the launch of Tailings Pool, Plug In ICA will host a Pool Party on Friday, September 17 from 7 to 11 pm at 87 Higgins Ave. Poolside performances will take place throughout the evening.

Please join us at the 87 Higgins location the following day, Saturday, September 18 at 3 pm for an artist talk by Tsēmā Igharas. 

What to expect: Proof of vaccination will be required for entrance into both events. Events will be outdoors and dependent on the weather and current COVID restrictions. Visit plugin.org for up to date protocols.

Tsēmā Igharas is an interdisciplinary artist and member of the Tahltan Nation. She uses Potlatch methodology to create conceptual artwork and teachings influenced by her mentorship in Northwest Coast Formline Design at K’saan (2005/06), her studies in visual culture, and time in the mountains. She has a Bachelor's degree from Emily Carr University of Art and Design (2011) and graduated from the Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design program at OCADu showing her thesis work, LAND|MINE, that connects materials to mine sites and bodies to the land. Tsēmā has won the 2018 Emily Award for outstanding ECUAD alumni; is 1/25 2020 Sobey award winners; has shown and performed in various places in Canada and internationally in Sweden, Mexico, USA and Chile.

Opening Hours and Procedures

Tailings Pool will be open to the public September 17 until October 3, 2021. The project will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 - 5 pm at 87 Higgins Ave. This is an outdoor public art project and there is no need to make an appointment. Masks are encouraged when interacting with the staff on site.

Plug In ICA’s galleries are also open to the public during the run of Tailings Pool. To visit the gallery to see the current exhibition When Veins Meet Like Rivers; ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖅ / okhížata / maadawaan, an exhibition featuring asinnajaq, Kite and Dayna Danger please book through our online booking system, email info@plugin.org or call 204-942-1043. In alignment with provincial health restrictions, masks and proof of vaccination are required to visit the gallery space at 460 Portage Ave.