Fairmont Pacific Rim Announces Shawn Hunt’s Latest Solo Exhibition ‘To Dream’

–   The prominent Heiltsuk artist celebrates traditional design in a contemporary context  –       

Fairmont Pacific Rim has announced their latest solo exhibition at The Pacific Gallery, a curated display of works by Heiltsuk artist Shawn Hunt, in partnership with the Equinox Gallery. Translated as ‘To Dream’ in the Heiltsuk dialect, Ḱáɫḷá features a series of surreal scenes in which moments of the artist’s own life are re-imagined as present-day daydreams, infused with Indigenous traditions.

Illuminated by the moonlight, Hunt’s figures are suspended between the past, present and future, resisting a singular interpretation. In Hunt’s compositions, we see his innovative use of traditional Northwest Coast design principles where an unbroken outline weaves various patterned motifs into figures. Creatures both human and animal, and sometimes mythological, are intertwined and in a state of constant flux, shifting between human and spirit realms. Using traditional structures, Hunt celebrates the fundamental characteristics of traditional design while adapting the subjects of his paintings to a contemporary context.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2000, Shawn Hunt apprenticed with his father, Bradley Hunt, a prominent Heiltsuk artist, for five years. Later he apprenticed with Coast Salish painter Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun from 2012 to 2015. Hunt’s work has been exhibited throughout Canada, including group exhibitions both nationally and internationally.

On display from June 19 to August 15, 2024 on the hotel’s mezzanine level, Shawn Hunt’s exhibition exemplifies the importance of immersing guests in the cultural fabric of the local community, and celebrating its heritage, traditions.

About Fairmont Pacific Rim

Fairmont Pacific Rim – Vancouver’s definitive luxury hotel – was rated the World’s Best Business Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers and awarded the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Ratings. This ultramodern downtown hotel offers unobstructed mountain and harbour views, combining the best of the Pacific Rim in its architecture and décor. The hotel features three award-winning dining destinations, the resort-style Forbes Five-Star Willow Stream Spa, a rooftop and pool sundeck, exceptionally designed guestrooms, and a variety of the city’s most luxurious suites.

fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

About Equinox Gallery

For 50 years, Equinox Gallery has been committed to presenting the work of Canadian artists in the context of an international program. The gallery specializes in long-term representation of Canadian artists as well as secondary market sales. In addition to exhibitions highlighting the work of represented artists, Equinox also undertakes larger collaborative projects which help to contextualize local artistic practices within an international conversation in a tangible and substantial manner, maintaining the gallery’s place in the ongoing conversations relating to contemporary art. The gallery places many works in public and private museums, and works closely with private clients in developing their esteemed collections.