Indigenous artist Quinn Hopkins creates futurist way to connect communities at Hart House – The Varsity

Wall art depicting powwow integrates technology and art to send a message of love

Students who have recently passed by Hart House may have passed by a new art installation on the east end of the basement level. The mural, “Intertribal, 2022,” is a mixed-media creation depicting a celebratory indigenous powwow, in which community members can be seen dancing in traditional clothing under an eagle, or “Migizi” in Ojibwe, and Toronto landmarks.

Quinn Hopkins, a multidisciplinary artist of Ojibwe and Meiti heritage, created the mural. In an interview with the varsity teamHopkins he explained that he drew inspiration from his parents’ backgrounds: spiritual and visual elements inspired by his Ojibwe mother and the futuristic style of his tech entrepreneur father. He said this connection between origins has become part of his personality as a “futuristic indigenous.”

“I’ve always liked that term, thinking about the next generations and what the future holds for my people,” Hopkins said.

An invitation for all

Hopkins grew up going to powwows and always enjoyed seeing the thriving culture through song, dance, arts and crafts. After the pandemic put the tradition on hold, the first return of a crowded powwow below the Toronto skyline hit Hopkins with energy and enthusiasm. “I felt like a really powerful image in my head,” he said.

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