Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun – Xwulmuxw-sxuyus Tuta’thut Shxulcustun (Indian-head Test Pattern), 2022

work statement:

This piece was commissioned by the Grunt Gallery for the Mt. Pleasant Community Art Screen. Referencing colonial imagery of Indigeneity on television, in particular the Indian-head Test Pattern which was displayed on TV channels outside of broadcast hours through the early 20th century, the artwork reimagines the test pattern through traditional Coast Salish design. Drawing upon imagery of spindle whorls and petroglyph forms, it honours the Coast Salish land and culture of this place, here within Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories.

Xwulmuxw-sxuyus Tuta’thut Shxulcustun (Indian-head Test Pattern) has been animated by Atomic Studios into a 0:23 piece that plays at the beginning and end of each MPCAS day to start and end the programming.

artist bio

Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun (he/they) is a Coast Salish and Nuu Chah Nulth artist and storyteller from the Snuneymuxw First Nation. His roots are in Penelakut and in Hupacasath. His interdisciplinary art practice is rooted in honouring and celebrating the teachings and stories that have been passed down by his community, family, and culture. He works across digital art, painting, sculpture, creative writing, public installation, and is focused on traditional Coast Salish design in all its forms. He recently earned a Masters of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design and currently resides on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

Instagram: @kwulasultun
Website: www.kwulasultun.com