The Flame of Life
The Flame of Life by Emily Kewageshig is one of over 35 public artworks on display across the City of Mississauga.
Emily Kewageshig, 2022
Digital Illustration, printed on vinyl
Mississauga Fire Station #104, 62 Port Street West, Mississauga
About the artwork
“Fire connects Anishinaabeg people, it symbolizes the power of renewal, rebirth, change, and survival. The connection that is created between us and the spiritual world is strengthened through fire teachings. Indigenous wellness is centred around the practice of our ceremonies and traditions which honours the use of sacred fires. As stewards of the land, we also recognize fire as supporting healthier regrowth for a more bio-diverse ecosystem. As the flames burn, and the smoke rises up into the sky, we are reminded of the importance of revitalizing life.” – Emily Kewageshig
Gallery
About the artist
Emily Kewageshig is an Anishnaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29. Her work captures the interconnection of life forms using both traditional and contemporary materials. Her work is centered around themes of birth, death, and rebirth as they are closely intertwined in both her cultural teachings and personal lived experiences.
Emily celebrated her first solo exhibition titled “Mooshknemgog Bmaadziwin: Full Circle” (2020), which was shown at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, Ontario. She continues to create artwork for various organizations to highlight Indigenous knowledge and culture.
She graduated from Sheridan College’s Visual and Creative Arts Diploma program with Honours in 2017, receiving the “Best in Show” award at the final graduate exhibition. She attended OCAD University in the BFA Indigenous Visual Culture program (2017-2020).
For more, follow the artist on Instagram, @emilykewageshig, or visit their website.
More information
This project was commissioned by the City of Mississauga Public Art Program in partnership with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.
Photography by Tori Lambermont.