HYDRO exhibition by Ludovic Boney and Caroline Monnet at Ahkwayaonhkeh

At the end of their tangled wires, 180 bulbs welcome us into the gallery with their soft glow. Beneath them, a vast mirror reflects the light, multiplying the energy that feeds them. As we observe them, we notice that over time their intensity increases, then decreases. This variation follows a recording. It’s that of a speech made in 1992 by Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), opposing the Great Whale hydroelectric project in Northern Quebec. HYDRO is about our relationship with hydroelectricity; what it brings to us and what it has taken from aboriginal communities.