This Mural intertwines the captivating patterns of bees and intricate geometric designs. With vibrant colors inspired by the medicine wheel, this artwork celebrates the harmonious interplay between nature and spirituality. The mural showcases the tireless work of bees as essential pollinators, while the geometric repeating patterns symbolize the order and interconnectedness of the natural world. "Buzzing Symmetry" invites viewers to appreciate the delicate balance of nature, honor indigenous artistic traditions, and recognize the vital role of bees in sustaining ecosystems.
Preston Buffalo, a Two-Spirited Cree artist hailing from Treaty 6 Territory, currently resides in the unceded Coast Salish Territories of British Columbia. Through his interdisciplinary practice, he delves into the realm of personal Indigenous iconography and symbolism, employing photography, alternative photo processes, and digital illustration. Informed by the struggles faced by Indigenous communities, Preston's work explores themes such as mental health, cultural and linguistic loss resulting from displacement, the devastating impact of the residential school system, and the ongoing process of assimilation. His overarching goal is to create visual expressions that challenge and redefine prevailing notions of Indigenous art, highlighting its profound significance in contemporary society, while shedding light on how his creative output contributes to this ongoing dialogue.
EXHIBITIONS
Vancouver Mural Festival, Vancouver, Canada
Queer Cosmos, Queer Arts Fest, Vancouver, Canada
Artist Talk, North Island College
Jelena and the Internet Celebrity Cat - CSA Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
Artist Talk Living a Creative Life: career artists day to day, Opus Art SuppliesVancouver, Canada
Digitizing Indigeneity, Centre Never Apart
It's not easy being green, Sum Gallery- Queer arts festival Vancouver, Canada
Artist Talk on Alternative Indigenous Experiences - Faculty of Education UBC Vancouver, Canada
Talking Stick Festival, Roundhouse Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
RELATIONAL rEvolutions, Roundhouse Gallery, Vancouver, Canada
Surthriving - Two-Spirit Group Show, Center Never Apart, Montreal, Canada
Zoom in Zoom Out,, ECUAD, Vancouver, Canada
Beyond Now, ECUAD Vancouver, Canada
AWARDS
Shortlist for the Lind Prize 2019
Irving K Barber Award for Indigenous Students
CIBC award for Indigenous Arts students
National Indian Brotherhood Award for children of Residential School survivors
RBC Scholarship
COMMISSIONS
Talking Stick Festival, Poster Design
CBC Arts, Logo Design for Indigenous History Month/Pride
Ontario Lottery Corporation, Logo Design for Indigenous History Month
Archival Photos, UBC department of Family Medicine
Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, Culturally Sensitive Harm Reduction Materials.
EDUCATION
2018-(ongoing) BFA Emily Carr University of Art and Design