Opening November 7th in our Main Gallery is All That Time Has Woven, All It Has Unraveled, by Ibrahim Shuaib.
Lately I've been thinking a lot about time, time spent, time lost, time passed, time held. After an experience that reminded me of the fragility of my own existence.
That has really shaped my approach to life in the past couple of months and in turn showing up in my works.
Time as a protector, time as the destroyer. Day in day out, the moon shines and time reduces it to a fraction of itself a “crescent “ and the cycle continues.
It’s believed the moon is the light of the spirit world by the mystics.
Do we use time or does time use us?
Is time really all that exists, do we exist through time or does time decay us as it does everything?
Is time a wheel that started itself only to come to an end and begin again.
Beautiful innocence of a seed that turns into a leaf, into a plant, then to a tree, only to wilt and return it all.
Songs of a bird reduced to dust returned back to time.
This is my thought process as I myself pass through time or as it eventually passes through me.
All That Time Has Woven, All It Has Unraveled, is an ongoing series rooted in self discovery where culture, spirituality, and the passage of time intersect. It's a narrative that reflects the dual nature of Ibrahim Shuaib’s journey, capturing the innocence of youth and the complexity of adulthood. Central to this series is his use of traditional rugs as a canvas, a deliberate choice rooted in the rich symbolism these objects hold within his Islamic heritage. These are silent companions to our daily rituals, ever-present witnesses to moments of prayer, family gatherings, and quiet reflection.
The rug represents an untold story, each pattern a chapter in the book of Shuaib’s life, each memory a splatter, where moments of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tribulation are interwoven. Each artistic stroke represents a distinct era, manifested memories and subtle impressions, woven into a textured and evolving tapestry that honours both personal and collective heritage.
Join us for an Opening Reception for Ibrahim’s exhibition in the Main Gallery on November 7 2025, 6-8pm.
Ibrahim Shuaib is a multidisciplinary visual artist Born in Nigeria, currently based on Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg. His work draws inspiration from the interplay of chaos and tranquility, using art to explore existential questions and interpret life’s complex journeys.
Through painting, installation, and multimedia forms, he investigates themes of identity, spirituality, cultural heritage, and the nuanced experience of double consciousness. His process is intuitive and experimental, consistently pushing the boundaries of his chosen materials.
By engaging these topics, Ibrahim creates spaces for reflection while employing strategies of direction and misdirection, inviting viewers to navigate layers of meaning and connect deeply with the work. Rather than offering answers, his practice opens a path of constructive questioning, providing a contemplative solace for the viewer.