Join MOCA for a presentation by Anishinaabe photographer Nadya Kwandibens, whose work centres on contemporary Indigenous identity and representation. Kwandibens will share insights into her photographic practice, highlighting how portraiture can create space for dialogue, visibility, and cultural resilience.
This talk offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of photography in shaping stories and perspectives, and to consider how artists engage with themes of presence, history, and community in relation to MOCA’s current exhibition Jeff Wall Photographs 1984–2023.
Your ticket includes admission to the museum.
About the Artist
Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing** #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award-winning photographer, a Canon Ambassador, and the current Photo Laureate for the City of Toronto. In 2008 she founded Red Works Photography. Red Works is a dynamic photography company specializing in natural light portraiture, headshots sessions, plus event and concert photography. Her work has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada, the United States, and selected Canadian Embassies around the world.
In 2018, Nadya won the Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Award. Jurors stated, “Nadya is an intrepid, ground-breaking, and influential artist. She has brought an Indigenous voice to portrait photography that recontextualizes images and shows us our true selves.”
In addition to commissioned works, Nadya delivers empowering photography workshops and presentations for youth, universities, and community groups. She currently resides in Tkarón:to on Anishinaabeg, Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the Credit, on Dish With One Spoon Territory.
** Ah-nim-KEY-wah-shing
