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FREEDOM FLAG

"Freedom Flag" was born on the heels of the artist's own personal 'coming out' journey. Discovering the notion of Two Spirit-ness within the Aboriginal community and its long history of acceptance and inclusion, Heikkilä-Sawan chose to investigate it further. Hovering in the space between a sculpture and a painting, it boldly proclaims its identity—it is what it is; bullet holes and all. Situated within the cultural narrative of Spring 2015, "Freedom Flag" was unveiled in Vancouver on May 2 as Bruce Jenner transitioned to Caitlyn in the Diane Sawyer interview on April 24, gay marriage was recognized in the Republic of Ireland referendum on May 22, while June 26 saw the US president calling the Supreme Court decision requiring states to recognize same-sex marriage "a victory for America". As a historical marker, "Freedom Flag" flies proudly for those who just want to 'BE'. Love is love!

THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
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THE EXHIBITIONS: Vancouver | Toronto | Montreal | Ottawa
  Freedom FlagTHE SHOW: Concourse Gallery, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagWe Are Woven Through with Strangers and Strangeness, Centre A Gallery, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagWith LGBTQ2S Activist Harlan Pruden at We Are Woven Through with Strangers and Strangeness, Centre A Gallery, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagThe BMO Award Exhibtion: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Toronto ON Freedom FlagThe BMO Award Exhibtion: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Toronto ON Freedom FlagThe BMO Award Exhibtion: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Toronto ON Freedom FlagThe BMO Award Exhibtion: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Toronto ON Freedom FlagThe BMO Award Exhibtion: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, Toronto ON Freedom FlagCulture Shift: Contemporary Native Art Biennial, 3rd edition, Art Mur, Montreal PQ
  Freedom FlagNEON NDN: Indigenous Pop Art, Galerie SAW Gallery, Ottawa ON Freedom FlagAsinabka Film & Media Arts Festival Co-Director Howard Adler at NEON NDN: Indigenous Pop Art, Galerie SAW Gallery, Ottawa ON Freedom FlagNEON NDN: Indigenous Pop Art, Galerie SAW Gallery, Ottawa ON Freedom FlagKwèykw‵áystway, The Talking Stick Festival 2017, The Roundhouse, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagKwèykw‵áystway, The Talking Stick Festival 2017, The Roundhouse, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagKwèykw‵áystway, The Talking Stick Festival 2017, The Roundhouse, Vancouver BC Freedom FlagKwèykw‵áystway, The Talking Stick Festival 2017, The Roundhouse, Vancouver BC    
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS: The Queen Elizabeth Theatre July to September 2018
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