Alexis Gros-Louis

Antependium

Alexis Gros-Louis explores colonial histories and indigenous cultures in his work. As an artist from Wendake, Turtle Island, he spotlights the history and transformation of Canada’s Wendat culture. In the TextielLab, he and product developer Marjan van Oeffelt reproduced an antependium or pulpit cloth, an evangelistic object that now hangs in the First Nations Museum in Wendake. The original cloth was probably made in the 19th century by Ursuline Sisters and Wendat women.

Gros-Louis’ research and lab work resulted in a woven tapestry measuring 162 cm high and 272 cm wide. A colourful pattern of shiny mercerised cotton is woven on a black background of matte organic cotton. The tapestry was on display at Galerie B-312 and Galerie UdeM in Montreal in 2024.

Photos by Guy LHeureux