Signal Fire and PNCA present Unwalking the West, a group exhibition highlighting the work of Signal Fire alumni who took part in our 2016 programs of the same name. These thematic wilderness retreats focused on retracing segments of European settler exploration and conquest in the reverse direction, as a way to interrogate assumed histories and connect volatile legacies of Settler-colonialism to the present-day challenges in the “American West.”

“These artists are examining contested terrains, both cultural, and literal while navigating contemporary landscapes impacted by centuries of U.S. settler-colonialism and Western expansionism. During this time of dire importance to shift the narrative and bring awareness to ecological sustainability and human impact on the environment these artists respond with subtlety, measured marks, wit, performance, and devoted research.” Describes co-curator and Signal Fire co-director Ka’ila Farrell-Smith. “Unwalking the West examines Signal Fire alumni studio exploration, following-up, two years after their journeys into public and wild lands through our back-country residency programs.”

Artists: Sarah Farahat, Tanja Geis, Joe Hedges, Garrick Imatani, Emmy Lingscheit, Rachelle Reichert, Rick Silva, Ilvs Strauss.

In addition to the gallery exhibition, Signal Fire and PNCA present Through The Repellent Fence: a screening featuring short films that examine legacies of Western expansionism and Indigenous connection to land and place. Featuring recent films by Trevino Brings Plenty, Sky Hopinka, Ryan Jeffery, Caroline Monnet, and Vanessa Renwick.

Curated by Ka’ila Farrell-Smith.