Sanguine and Scorched Earth
“Sanguine et terres brûlées / Blood Ties, Scorched Earth” by Maryse Arseneault addresses questions of territorial and cultural symbol appropriation related to colonialism on Turtle Island. The artist examines the encounters between Acadians and Mi’kmaq, which became taboo after the Great Upheaval. Using portraits found online, she reworks the faces with an eight-point pattern similar to Acadian quilts. The installation invites visitors to move with intention, following the cardinal directions of the Mi’kmaq star.