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<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">Manuel Axel Strain celebrates the Coast Salish longhouse
</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">in their Richmond Art Gallery debut
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-CA"><img width="577" height="507" style="width:6.0104in;height:5.2812in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DC1DC2.B5D50610"></span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">Exhibition features a major new multimedia installation that challenges colonialism while foregrounding Musqueam cultural and spiritual values
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">AUG. 6, 2025 (VANCOUVER, BC)
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">—
<b>Richmond Art Gallery </b>presents a solo exhibition by <b>Manuel Axel Strain</b>,
<b><i>xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł ((((Remember your teachings))))</i></b>, from
<b>Sept. 13–Nov. 9, 2025</b>. The artist — of Musqueam, Simpcw, and Syilx descent — celebrates the cedar longhouse as an important architectural form and philosophical framework that reflects the collectivist and relational values of their ancestors and communities.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">“Richmond Art Gallery first worked with Manuel Axel Strain for a public artwork featured in the Capture Photography Festival in 2020, and we are thrilled to
continue supporting this talented artist,” says curator Zoë Chan. “The Musqueam shed-style longhouse is at the heart of their new exhibition. It is not only an important architectural structure, but also an important spiritual, philosophical, and cultural
framework profoundly embedded with the collectivist, relational values of their family members and larger community. The artist also invites viewers to critically consider what dominant structures are being upheld in mainstream Canadian society, whether in
terms of architecture or ideology.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł ((((Remember your teachings))))
</span></i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:windowtext">will feature new and recent works, including paintings, video, and sculpture. The central longhouse installation pays tribute to a style of home central to the collective
life of the Musqueam people and used as a gathering place for culturally significant events, such as marriages and potlatches. The red cedar plank-built edifices are designed to be flexible and modular in order to accommodate multiple and extended families.
Before their attempted erasure by colonial powers, longhouses were once found all along the coast.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Strain is a 2-Spirit artist from the lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Simpcw and Syilx peoples, based in the sacred region of their q̓ic̓əy̓(Katzie) and qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen) relatives. Strain’s
mother is Tracey Strain and father is Eric Strain, Tracey’s parents are Harold Eustache (from Chuchua) and Marie Louis (from nk̓maplqs), Eric’s Parents are Helen Point (from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) and John Strain (from Ireland). Although they attended Emily Carr University
of Art + Design, they prioritize Indigenous epistemologies through the embodied knowledge of their mother, father, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents and ancestors. They have contributed work to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Surrey
Art Gallery, the UBCO FINA Gallery, were longlisted for the 2022 Sobey Award, and were a recipient of the 2022 Portfolio Prize.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Public programming
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Visit the Gallery’s website and social media for the most up-to-date information on upcoming programs and registration. Scheduled events include:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Exhibition Opening Reception
<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Saturday, Sept. 13, 2–4pm
</span></i><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">The reception will include light refreshments and an introduction to this important exhibition with the artist. More info:
<a href="https://www.richmondartgallery.org/strain_opening">richmondartgallery.org/strain_opening</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Richmond Culture Days: Collaborative Drawing with Manuel Axel Strain
<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Sunday, Sept. 21, 12–3pm
</span></i><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">As part of Culture Days opening weekend, drop into the gallery to join in a large-scale drawing project with exhibiting artist Manuel Axel Strain. This will be a community collaborative
activity for everyone to explore mark-making, colouring, and drawing on a grand scale. Free drop-in for all ages. More info:
<a href="https://www.richmondartgallery.org/cd-drawing">richmondartgallery.org/cd-drawing</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Exhibition Tour in Mandarin</span></u><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><br>
<i>Saturday, Sept. 27, 2–3pm <br>
</i>Drop in for a tour of the current Richmond Art Gallery exhibition in Mandarin. Learn more about the themes of the exhibition through a guided visit and informal discussion over a cup of tea. Limited spaces, RSVP to reserve a seat at
<span style="color:#1154CC"><a href="https://www.richmondartgallery.org/strain-mandarin">richmondartgallery.org/strain-mandarin</a></span><span style="color:black">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">國語導覽</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">
</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">9</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">月</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">27</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">日，星期六，下午</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">2–3</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">點</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">歡迎參加列治文美術館當前展覽的國語導覽！通過導覽與輕鬆的對話更多地了解展覽主題。提供茶水，位置有限，需預約</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"MS PGothic",sans-serif;color:black">更多信息及註冊</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">:
</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC"><a href="https://www.richmondartgallery.org/strain-mandarin">richmondartgallery.org/strain-mandarin</a></span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">.</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Art After Dark: Youth Event for Ages 13–24</span></u><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">
<br>
<i>Friday, Oct. 17, 6–8pm</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">In partnership with the Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP), we invite youth and young creatives (ages 13–24) to this FREE drop-in event at the Richmond Art Gallery.
This after-hours, youth-only evening will feature an interactive and collaborative celebration complete with art, community, and music. Meet the RAG’s exhibiting artist and join in an interactive art activity with them while you are immersed in the Gallery’s
exhibition spaces. Have some snacks and chill to the music while you capture a fun, exciting evening with friends at our digital photo booth. Registration is strongly encouraged; RSVP at
</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC">richmondartgallery.org/upcoming-events</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Online Artist Salon with Manuel Axel Strain
<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7pm<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Exhibiting artist Manuel Axel Strain shares insights into their art practice that includes exhibiting work, presenting workshops, and coordinating art festivals
</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC">richmondartgallery.org/upcoming-events</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt">xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł ((((Remember your teachings)))) is presented with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Funding for exhibition’s public programs provided
by City of Richmond Arts & Culture Project Assistance Grant. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt">About Richmond Art Gallery
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Richmond Art Gallery (RAG) is a non-profit municipal art gallery established in 1980. The Gallery produces an array of exhibitions and programs that connect, empower, and provoke
conversation with our diverse Richmond, BC communities. RAG actively contributes to Richmond’s cultural communities through our commitment to supporting artists via its exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and permanent collection.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Address
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Richmond Art Gallery
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Richmond Cultural Centre
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">7700 Minoru Gate Richmond, BC V6Y 1R8
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Hours
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Monday–Friday from 10am–6pm
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Saturday–Sunday from 12–5pm
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Press kit and photos
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC">bit.ly/RAGManuelAxelStrain
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Press contact
</span></b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">Ines Min
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">604 440 0791
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC"><a href="mailto:ines@inesmin.com">ines@inesmin.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Image credit: : Manuel Axel Strain, <i>Everything will be okay until coyote is here</i>, 2025, oil and chalk pastel on paper affixed on MDF panel (detail), Oxygen Art Centre, Photo: Kenton Doupe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#1154CC"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:black">- 30 -</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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