Art Toronto reflects Canadian art scene's emphasis on Indigenous representation

"Many viable answers await at this year's edition of Art Toronto (until 26 October), where more than half of the 121 participating exhibitors feature works by Indigenous artists on their stands, mainly from Canada but also from Latin America and Australia. This curatorial throughline, achieved organically rather than mandated by the organisers, reflects growing interest from both collectors and institutions in Indigenous art."

"Indigenous artists figure prominently in Arte Sur, the fair's new Latin American section curated by Mexico-based gallerist Karen Huber. Among them is Natalia Montoya (showing with the Chilean gallery ), an Aymara artist from the Andes who uses painting, performance, textiles and contemporary totems to explore her Afro-Indigenous identity while addressing pressing social issues."

Art Toronto features Indigenous art across more than half of its 121 exhibitors, with works from Canada, Latin America and Australia. The emphasis emerged organically and reflects rising interest from collectors and institutions. Exhibits present diverse media, including oil painting, beadwork, performance and mixed-media, engaging themes of territory, multiculturalism, ritual, nature and identity while dialoguing with Western art histories. The new Arte Sur Latin American section highlights Aymara Natalia Montoya, who uses painting, performance, textiles and totems to examine Afro-Indigenous identity and social issues, and Yanomami artist Sheroanawe Hakihiiwe, whose abstract works on paper attracted early sales. Canadian presentations include Native Art Department's Woodland-style abstractions and works by Mi'kmaq artist Jordan Bennett.

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