History interweaves with art during the installation To Mark on Surface, by Vancouver based artist Dana Claxton.

"Dana Claxton's interpretation of landscape and aboriginal themes is very poetic," says Josephine Mills, director and curator of the U of L Art Gallery. "The exhibit is a commissioned work for the U of L Art Collection. It's a multimedia installation using film, photography and sound; a display of pastel portraits of Nicolas de Grand Maison and indigenous etchings at Writing on Stone Provincial Park."

The installation reflects the history, politics and imagery of the southern Alberta region; juxtaposed between the two styles of etching.

"I have attempted to show two ways of rendering and marking on surface," explains artist Dana Claxton. "One is in stone and nature, the other on paper. One is considered tribal and the other is considered western. Although, I don't look at either being different from each other, to me they are both makings and renderings."

A native of Moose Jaw, Sask., and Lakota First Nations, Claxton has taught at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and has exhibited in art galleries across Canada. Currently based in British Columbia, Claxton is the visiting Chair of Women's Studies at Simon Fraser University. She is also speaking at Art Now on Nov. 6 at 12:15 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

To Mark On Surface is on display in the U of L Main Art Gallery from Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, 2010. Everyone is invited to the opening reception on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.