Currently based in Guelph, Ontario, Emily Laurent Henderson is a Kalaaleq (Greenlandic Inuk) and Settler curator and writer. A 2020 University of British Columbia graduate in Anthropology, Emily’s work and writing centres Inuit and Indigenous self-determination in the arts. Her writing has appeared in titles such as the Inuit Art Quarterly, Azure, Studio Magazine, and more. Her debut collection of poetry, "Hold Steady my Vision", was published in 2024 by Publication Studio Guelph.

When Emily Henderson got her first museum job—working in a gift shop—she thought it was the first step towards her dream of being a museum curator. And she was right - only her dream was so much closer to being realised than she expected. She thought it might take decades, but six years later, she's an Associate Curator of Indigenous Art at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with a once in a lifetime exhibition opening tomorrow.

"I applied for jobs I was in no way qualified for," Emily laughs, revealing her unconventional early career strategy. Her fearless approach opened doors at the Inuit Art Quarterly, Indigenous Curatorial Collective, and Art Gallery of Ontario before landing at the McMichael, where she's currently preparing to open "Worlds on Paper," an exhibition featuring 215 drawings by 40 Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset) artists.

The groundbreaking show explores how Inuit artists documented their rapidly changing world between 1959-1990—a period of profound transition as communities were moved from semi-nomadic existence to permanent settlements. What makes this exhibition possible is the recent digitisation of all 90,000 drawings, creating unprecedented access to works that were often filtered out by Southern tastes and editorial committees.

Henderson shares how Indigenous sovereignty in the arts (giving Indigenous people control over their own representation) is the "crux" of everything she does. She elaborates on what Indigenous sovereignty can look like in institutions that were built to further colonize.

For aspiring curators, Emily offers practical wisdom: apply widely regardless of qualifications, seek publishing opportunities, and embrace mentorship. Her journey proves there's no single path to curatorial work—just the courage to start somewhere and grow through continuous learning.

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Madison Beale, Host
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Mariana Muñoz-Gomez wears many hats. Gomez is a Winnipeg-based artist, writer, zine maker and curator who intricately weaves personal narratives with collective histories in their lens-based practice. In today’s episode, Gomez shares what it is like to work for yourself as an artist interested in exploring many directions.

Gomez’ exploration of identity, colonialism, and capitalist structures is not just academic; it's a deeply personal reflection on individual and collective histories that have impacted many people around the world. Gomez’ work urges us to reflect on their own connections to place and history. By employing a variety of media—ranging from photography to zines—Gomez examines how art can aid memory and resistance, offering new perspectives on our shared experiences.

During our discussion, Gomez shares the motivations behind their work and how they harness the power of art to question societal norms through a relational lens. The episode shines a spotlight on the role of the curator, where Gomez emphasizes the importance of representation and care for the artists involved, particularly BIPOC voices. Alongside this, Gomez reveals the discipline and organisation required to be a freelancer, sharing how the least glamorous parts of being an artist are almost as important as the art itself. They also offer fascinating insights into their recent curatorial projects and the journey of creating Carnation Zine, a zine uplifting marginalised artists.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how art can provoke thought and inspire action within communities while navigating the complexities of a creative career. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Gomez’ journey as they pave the way for meaningful dialogues in contemporary art. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation!

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Madison Beale, Host
Croocial, Production

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

In today’s episode of the Artalogue, Madison chats with Yayoi Shionoiri, VP of External Affairs and General Counsel at Powerhouse Arts. Coming to her legal practice with a unique blend of art history knowledge and legal expertise, Shionoiri has spent over two decades championing artists and navigating intricate legal challenges in contemporary art and estate management. From her beginnings in corporate law to her influential roles at institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and Artsy, Shionoiri‘s career journey has much to learn from for aspiring lawyers and artists alike!

We discuss how her undergraduate research into the conceptual art and subsequent trial of Genpei Akasegawa prompted her to learn more about and eventually help artists navigate the limits of artistic and free expression.

Shionoiri also shares her personal journey from corporate law to the niche field of art law, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a unique career path. Her experiences in the vibrant art scenes of Tokyo and New York provide a comparative outlook on how cultural nuances shape artistic innovation and the laws around it.

Aspiring art lawyers will find her advice invaluable—emphasizing the importance of mastering legal fundamentals while balancing a deep understanding of the art world. Shionoiri‘s interest in the intersection of copyright, AI, and creativity in today's digital age raises crucial questions about the future of art and law. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to inspire artists, lawyers, and art enthusiasts alike.

Follow Yayoi on Instagram!

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Madison Beale, Host
Croocial, Production

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast