About the Researcher
Carleigh Milburn, is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, enrolled in a doctoral program at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Milburn is actively engaged in research that explores the transformative potential of Indigenous artwork, artificial intelligence (AI), collaborative artmaking, and decolonization as powerful mediums for storytelling.
Ms. Milburn is passionate about creating a vibrant space where art can flourish. She primarily works with textiles, gouache, and sculpture to bring her creative vision to life.
In addition, she holds an Ontario Teacher Certification in visual arts, geography, history, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies. She is actively teaching for the Limestone District School Board and the Kingston School of Art.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Milburn founded Modern Métis Woman, a non-profit organization annually providing scholarships to Métis women.
About the Project
Ms.Milburn's research project delves into the dynamic intersection of Indigenous perspectives, Artificial Intelligence (AI), collaborative artmaking, and decolonization. At the core, this initiative is about reconciling cultural practices, addressing biases, and ensuring equitable access. By creating a space where art acts as an extension of ourselves, we aim to amplify marginalized voices and promote inclusivity in discussions around decolonization and its manifestations in various contexts.
Decolonization and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Central to our exploration is the process of decolonization — a means to rectify historical injustices and restore Indigenous rights and self-determination. Inspired by Jennifer Wemigwans' concept of "Biskaabiiyang" (meaning 'round trip'), our project investigates how technology and digital artmaking can contribute to understanding and visualizing decolonization in diverse spaces by leaving no one behind.
Research Questions
1. How might innovative data art collection practices in Indigenous contexts facilitate understanding of decolonization and promote meaningful relationships toward reconciliation?
2. To what extent can AI in art be considered decolonial?
Research-Creation and Exhibitions
We have scheduled a series of workshops and exhibitions:
-
Kingston School of Art (May 2024) Past
-
The Tett Centre (June 2024) Past
-
Union Gallery (October 29–December 7, 2024) Current
Workshop Overview
During these workshops, participants engage in surveys, discussions on decolonization, and create digital collages that reflect their understanding of the theme. Researcher Carleigh Milburn collects data and keywords, which are then transformed into collaborative AI-generated images. These images, along with artworks created during the sessions, are displayed in both a physical and a VR art gallery, underscoring the project's blend of traditional and technological approaches.
Contributing to the Legacy
Participants’ artworks are integrated into a dynamic digital collage, continuously evolving based on ongoing input and refreshed using AI tools. By participating, individuals contribute to a larger narrative, surrendering ownership of their creations for the sake of public display and educational purposes. They also gain the opportunity to be credited in exhibitions and publications, supporting their professional growth.
Virtual and Physical Displays
Our website, makingsenseofdecolonization.com, features a virtual augmented reality environment where submissions are displayed. Additionally, a unique AI-generated image evolves based on textual prompts from participants, accompanied by traditional art pieces that highlight art as a generational dialogue enhanced by technology.
Interactive Installations
A large beaded sculpture at the gallery invites attendees to add a bead, symbolizing their commitment to decolonization. This sculpture uses the colors of the medicine wheel and includes beads representing the Grandfather Teachings, fostering an Indigenous way of understanding and participating in craft and commitment. Through this project, we not only seek to explore the role of AI in art and decolonization but also to create a lasting impact that supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's goals and contributes to nation-building.
Art is Representative Across Generations
Below are images produced by Ms. Milburn, her mothers, and her father, illustrating that conventional art stems from ancestral connections, experiences, and recognizes that technique is not only learned but also inherited. Art is the process of navigating challenges, taking moments to breathe, and finding ways to connect with aspects of ourselves that we yearn to remember. When we create art, we are engaging in a dialogue with our ancestors, our roots, and our younger selves. Art is not just what you place on paper; it encompasses our conversations, our identities, our ideologies, our values, and how we make sense of the world. Let's explore decolonization, reconcile among the raspberry bushes, and share stories with the sunflowers.
