The Textile Museum of Canada

Oct 28, 2023 – Apr 28, 2024

The Secret Codes: African Nova Scotian Quilts

The Secret Codes: African Nova Scotian Quilts brings together historic and contemporary quilts from makers connected to Nova Scotia, embodying the stories and voices of the community. Curated by David Woods, this exhibition includes more than 35 quilts and a selection of 8 paintings that highlight the various functions of quilts over time: as decorated blankets in the home, as possible codes of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom, as records of family history, as a celebration of Black women and culture, and as inspiration for other art forms.

This is a touring presentation of the show, first presented at Dalhousie University, summer of 2023, for which Shawn was commissioned to prepare a diptych of quilt-inspired abstract paintings, recalling his Nova Scotia upbringing.