Co.Lab Gallery presents

GENE BOSHKAYKIN

HONORING HERITAGE, CELEBRATING FAME

OPENING FRIDAY MARCH 21, 2025, 7 PM.

EXHIBITION CONTINUES UNTILAPRIL 9TH, 2025.

Gene Boshkaykin, an artist from the Seine River First Nation in northwestern Ontario, has been drawing since he was ten years old. Over the years, his artistic journey has been shaped by a deep connection to both portraiture and his Indigenous roots. His work primarily focuses on creating portraits, blending his love for celebrity figures and Indigenous culture. A major influence in his artistic development was the renowned artist Sterling Johnson, whose work inspired him to explore the expressive possibilities of portrait art.

Boshkaykin uses colored pencils with an acrylic base to create his pieces, a technique that allows him to blend precision and texture. His process begins with an acrylic underpainting that often appears rough and raw — the "ugly phase." From there, he build layers of colored pencils, refining the image and adding vibrancy. This method mirrors the process of growth and transformation that he experience in his art, much like the cultural and personal evolution that has shaped him.

Growing up, he was raised by his mother, who instilled in him a love for the powwow scene. This cultural influence has been pivotal in shaping the themes of his art, which often highlight Indigenous identity, spirituality, and strength. As a child, Boshkaykin also experimented with combining watercolors and colored pencils, pushing the boundaries of his medium and expanding his artistic skills.

Through his work, he aims to celebrate the power of portraits as a reflection of identity, culture, and personal history. Whether depicting famous faces or those rooted in his own heritage, Boshkaykin strives to capture the essence of each subject, allowing them to tell their story through the lens of his artistic process.

Sponsored in part by: Half-Way Motors Nissan

Media: Around Town, APTN, CTV & CBC