Spirit Maps is composed of a series of traditional loom beadwork tapestries in which Speplól Tanya Zilinski draws inspiration from both Western science and Indigenous ways of being and knowing to reflect on their own life and identity as products of layered and complicated histories. While highlighting the devastating impact of past and ongoing colonialism, Zilinski's deeply personal abstract tapestries emerge as sites of spiritual sovereignty and self-expression.
Opening Reception: Friday, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 2025 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Exhibition Dates: July 18 – August 3, 2025
Exhibition Venue: Medias Res Gallery
Gallery Address: 401–353 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC
This exhibition is open to the public.
About Speplól Tanya Zilinski
Speplól Tanya Zilinski is a visual artist, Halq'eméylem teacher, and matriarch of their family. They were born on the stolen lands of the Chowethel People, Ts'qó:ls, known to settlers today as “Hope, B.C”, where they live today. They are a member of The Red River Nation in Manitoba, with family and ancestral ties to Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, and Huron-Wendat Nations throughout Turtle Island's Plains and Great Lakes Regions on their maternal side and Ukrainian heritage on their paternal side. One of their traditional names is Speplól, meaning Little Crow, which was given to them at the age of fourteen.
Speplól uses traditional loom beadwork as their medium, and their practice focuses on exploring cultural identity and passing on cultural teachings. Speplól’s work connects them to their Ancestors and serves as a daily tincture to cure the body and mind.
Tanya’s full bio: Click here.
