Spirit Song Presents-An artist talk with Nelson White

November 15, 2026

In collaboration with First Light, Eastern Edge is pleased to present Preview, an exhibition by Nelson White, as part of Spirit Song Festival 2026!

Representation is paramount to White’s works. With each colourful canvas, he considers the complexity of representing someone both as they see themselves and how they are seen. The new collection serves as a poignant insertion of Indigenous histories into the historically Western art form of portrait painting, where Indigenous subjects have been marginalized, misrepresented, or entirely absent. White’s practice is situated within a broader movement of contemporary artists who are working with figuration to redefine traditional portraiture today.

Spirit Song is a celebration of Indigenous Arts and Culture that has been running annually in St. John’s since 2013. Spirit Song has now grown into a multi-day event which boasts world class performances, traditional and contemporary knowledge sharing events as well as artist in residence series.  The festival is enjoyed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike. Spirit Song aims to support and promote Indigenous artists, strengthen our sense of community, as well as provide an opportunity for the greater public to experience the incredible work created by Indigenous artists from across Canada.

Times and Locations