Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun
January 24 to May 31, 2026
Nicola Wealth Gallery
Immerse yourself in the monumental works of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun in Floor Opener.
Experience colourful and dynamic sculptures that appear as if they have stepped right out of his large-scale paintings. This powerful exhibition confronts themes of colonial suppression, the ongoing struggles for Indigenous sovereignty, and the damaging environmental impacts on the land. Take for example the electric painting Wild Fire Storm, where the vibrant glowing orange draws the viewer into an unsettling scene of the destructive forces of modern-day wildfires. This is something that Okanagan residents are all too familiar with.
Visitors will also be able to see Yuxweleptun’s signature use of the “ovoid” shape throughout much of his work. The ovoid is a classic rounded oval-rectangular shape from Northwest Formline. Yuxweluptun uses the ovoid and U-form extensively in his work creating a repetitive visual beat to powerful effect. Be sure to grab a copy of the “Looking Closer” exhibition guide during your visit for more insights into the artist and artwork.
Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun is of Cowichan (Hul’q’umi’num Coast Salish) and Okanagan (Syilx) descent. He was recently awarded the 2025 Gershon Iskowitz Prize, which comes with a $75,000 purse and a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Yuxweluptun has firmly established himself as one of Canada’s most influential contemporary artists.
Organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery with the assistance of Macaulay + Co.
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Video
Artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun speaks about his work featured in Floor Opener.
Looking Closer
A free gallery guide to get you started.
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