By Astralis Snee, NVCAC Art Gallery Curator
The following column reflects the personal views and experiences of the show's curator and does not necessarily represent the views or official stance of the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council (NVCAC).
This past March, we were honoured to host the work of Xéysmkn, also known as Robin Humphrey, a local Indigenous Markings Practitioner. When we first met back in November to explore a possible collaboration with the NVCAC, Robin’s passion and enthusiasm were immediately clear. He had a story to share: one shaped by healing, cultural reconnection, and the steady support of his community.
Robin spoke openly about the difficult times he had gone through and how his circle of family and friends in the Indigenous Community never gave up on him. They believed in him and gave him the space to try again, and, through their encouragement and the safety of being surrounded by his culture, he found his way back to himself and began to connect more deeply with his roots.
At the reception for his show, Robin shared how he first reacted to the idea of Indigenous markings with a bit of laughter. At the time, he did not yet see what they would mean for him. What started as a passing idea became a turning point in his life. That experience led him to discover a calling, and in time, to be named Tattoo Artist of the Year by the city of Merritt in 2024.
His journey did not stop with personal achievement. Through his work, Robin has become a bridge between generations and between traditional and modern ways of life. He helps Indigenous youth and Elders feel proud and represented. At the same time, he invites those from outside his community to learn and understand more.
His art opens a doorway to the traditions that have lived on this land for thousands of years, since the symbols he repurposes come from basket weaving or rock carvings, rich with meaning and passed down through time. In his hands, they are given new life, helping to remind us all that Indigenous people are still here: Strong, proud, and sharing their voice more than ever. It is a moving and powerful thing to witness.
The show's name, Awakening, speaks to something much greater than one person’s path. All across Canada and beyond, Indigenous people are embracing their culture, letting go of imposed colonial ways, and returning to truths that have always existed: Awakening voices that should never have been silenced.
Robin brought not only his artwork, but his community. Both the opening and closing events were filled with drumming, singing, and heartfelt stories. The room felt full of warmth and connection. Thanks to Robin’s openness and generosity, we have now adopted a new tradition of our own. From now on, our art shows will include opportunities to share more about each artist’s story, process, and cultural background and now we feature the Artist's Biography and share glimpses of their process in every show.
As a guest on this land, I was especially moved by the beauty and skill reflected in the Indigenous techniques shared during the show. The basket weaving, in particular, struck me as both incredibly refined and deeply meaningful. In my home country, we learn early on about the people who lived there before colonization, our ancestors, and the fragments of their cultures that have survived. So it felt both important and a great privilege to help visitors engage with and connect to these traditions of this land and its people.
The exhibition included a collection of Robin’s books that helped shape him as an artist. There were also photographs of his tattoo work, canvas prints of his graphic design, and clothing pieces that reflected his style. It was not just an art show. It was a safe space of learning, reflection, and deep connection.
