Rosehip, White Rose Art Project: In Memory of Joanne, MMIWG, and Virgil Abloh, Figures of Speech

2017, Jodi Smiles After All That...

Not A Bystander Art Project to Anger, Violence, and Bullying.

Virgil Abloh's art has inspired many, including my own personal journey defending the arts. It's incredible how his "Figures of Speech" exhibition at the MCA in Chicago led to significant changes in Alberta’s dress code policies. I anticipate even more positive changes within the Alberta Legislature which belongs to all Albertans, with what we wear.

🌹 Virgil Abloh, Sept. 30, 1980 - Nov. 28, 2021.
In July 2019, inspired by Virgil Abloh's "Figures of Speech" exhibition, "The Speakers Banned Speech" and LISTEN label wear were born. This line of personal fashion included t-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies, and toques to keep our heads warm in the Alberta winter. Ultimately, in 2021, this movement drove the Alberta Government to remove all bans on personal clothing displaying artworks, allowing my creations to be worn freely. These were replaced with a gentleman's agreement to cover up with LASS-approved outerwear, such as the official WHL Oil Kings jersey. However, all clothing deemed political or offensive cannot be worn inside the Alberta Legislature's public gallery, as it is considered distracting for members, staff, and the general public who enjoy participating in Alberta's democracy.

Today, I wore 4 Indian Heads Left For Dead in the public gallery.

Last week, I retired a painting from the Not See Art Series, "Eye on Red," a piece addressing Indigenous issues in Alberta. It was an honour for me, as the painter, to present it to an Indigenous veteran and to all the King's LASS, in gratitude for their kindness, courtesy, health, safety, and service towards Honourable Members, Legislature Management and Staff, and visiting Guests of the Legislature.

Eye on Red Dress, #MMIWG

The 2021 "Eye on Red" art series was initiated with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis in Canada in mind. This project began when the world was shaken by Russia's attack on Ukraine. Amidst the turmoil and the looming threat of nuclear war, I became deeply concerned that Canadians might lose sight of local social issues while being overwhelmed by global events.