Richmond Art Gallery welcomes autumn by presenting a new solo exhibition by Manuel Axel Strain, 
, from September 13–November 9, 2025. The artist celebrates the cedar longhouse as an important architectural form and philosophical framework that reflects the collectivist and relational values of their ancestors and communities.
“Richmond Art Gallery first worked with Manuel Axel Strain for a public artwork featured in the Capture Photography Festival in 2020, and we are thrilled to continue supporting this talented artist,” says curator Zoë Chan. “The Musqueam shed-style longhouse is at the heart of their new exhibition. It is not only an important architectural structure, but also an important spiritual, philosophical, and cultural framework profoundly embedded with the collectivist, relational values of their family members and larger community. The artist also invites viewers to critically consider what dominant structures are being upheld in mainstream Canadian society, whether in terms of architecture or ideology.”
x??n?iw?n ce:p k???? n?w?ey?? ((((Remember your teachings)))) will feature new and recent works, including paintings, video, and sculpture. The central longhouse installation pays tribute to a style of home central to the collective life of the Musqueam people and used as a gathering place for culturally significant events, such as marriages and potlatches. The red cedar plank-built edifices are designed to be flexible and modular in order to accommodate multiple and extended families. Before their attempted erasure by colonial powers, longhouses were once found all along the coast.
Strain is a 2-Spirit artist from the lands and waters of the Musqueam, Simpcw and Syilx peoples, based in the sacred region of their Katzie and Kwantlen relatives. Strain’s mother is Tracey Strain and father is Eric Strain, Tracey’s parents are Harold Eustache (from Chuchua) and Marie Louis (from nk?maplqs), Eric’s Parents are Helen Point (from Musqueam) and John Strain (from Ireland). Although they attended Emily Carr University of Art + Design, they prioritize Indigenous epistemologies through the embodied knowledge of their mother, father, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents and ancestors. They have contributed work to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Surrey Art Gallery, the UBCO FINA Gallery, were longlisted for the 2022 Sobey Award, and were a recipient of the 2022 Portfolio Prize.
Along with the Exhibition, Richmond Art Gallery offers a host of public programs including:
Exhibition Opening Reception
Saturday, September 13, 2–4pm
The reception will include light refreshments and an introduction to this important exhibition with the artist.
Richmond Culture Days: Collaborative Drawing with Manuel Axel Strain
Sunday, September 21, 12–3pm
As part of Culture Days opening weekend, drop into the gallery to join in a large-scale drawing project with exhibiting artist Manuel Axel Strain. This will be a community collaborative activity for everyone to explore mark-making, colouring, and drawing on a grand scale. Free drop-in for all ages.
Exhibition Tour in Mandarin
Saturday, September 27, 2–3pm
Drop in for a tour of the current Richmond Art Gallery exhibition in Mandarin. Learn more about the themes of the exhibition through a guided visit and informal discussion over a cup of tea. Limited spaces, RSVP to reserve a seat at richmondartgallery.org/upcoming-events.
Art After Dark: Youth Event for Ages 13–24
Friday, October 17, 6–8pm
In partnership with the Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP), we invite youth and young creatives (ages 13–24) to this FREE drop-in event at the Richmond Art Gallery. This after-hours, youth-only evening will feature an interactive and collaborative celebration complete with art, community, and music. Meet the RAG’s exhibiting artist and join in an interactive art activity with them while you are immersed in the Gallery’s exhibition spaces. Have some snacks and chill to the music while you capture a fun, exciting evening with friends at our digital photo booth. Registration is strongly encouraged; RSVP atrichmondartgallery.org/upcoming-events.
Online Artist Salon with Manuel Axel Strain
Wednesday, October 22, 7pm
Exhibiting artist Manuel Axel Strain shares insights into their art practice that includes exhibiting work, presenting workshops, and coordinating art.
Manuel Axel Strain’s runs September 13 to November 9, 2025 at Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. To keep up to date on the Gallery’s programming visit richmondartgallery.org