Kali Spitzer: 'Bodies of, Bodies Within' at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Curated by Mel Granley, AGGV Assistant Curator

Kali Spitzer’s work embraces the stories of contemporary BIPOC, queer and trans bodies, creating representation that is self-determined, with her collaborative process being informed by the desire to rewrite the visual histories of indigenous bodies beyond a colonial lens. Kali is Kaska Dena from Daylu (Lower Post, british columbia) on her father's side. On her Mother’s side, she is Jewish from Transylvania, Romania. Kali’s heritage deeply influences her work as she focuses on cultural revitalization through her art, whether in the medium of photography, ceramics, tanning hides or hunting. Trust and vulnerability are an integral part of Kali’s practice and she is continually grateful to all she has been able to work with thus far.

Kali studied photography at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Santa Fe Community College. Working with film in 35 mm, 120 and large format, as well as wet plate collodion process using an 8x10 camera, her work includes portraits, figure studies and photographs of her people, and culture. Throughout Kali’s career she has documented traditional practices with a sense of urgency, highlighting their vital cultural significance.

The exhibition runs from November 18th, 2023 to March 17th, 2024.

Image Credit: Kali Spitzer, black and white tintypes, 2022. Courtesy of the artist.