The International Pax Collective Of Women Artists On Climate Action and Social Change came as a result of the collaborative work between two collectives (Organizacion PAX La Paz, Mexico and Visible Bodies, Canada). We aim to bring awareness to topics around climate justice, climate change, environmental rights and human rights.

We have created a series of artworks that explore themes of healing and humanity. The collective seeks to contribute to social change through visual arts, collage, performances and photography. We confront the impacts of colonization onto/into our lands/waters and bodies. Using land-based learning and Indigenous and multi-cultural healing ceremonies to ground the spiritual and creative work is fundamental to our collective vision.

The group held a series of activities as part of the art exchange and residences in the City of Langford, B.C., Canada and La Paz Baja California Sur, Mexico. Mexican artists came to Canada in November 2019 and Indigenous artists from Canada visited La Paz, Mexico in January 2020.

In November 2019, member Lindsay hosted and coordinated a land-based photo shoot session on Pacheedaht territory. It was a profound experience, in which we experienced grief because of the clear-cuts and deforestation, but also, we aimed to bring some joy, colours and healing to mother earth.

Also in November 2019, International PAX Collective had an Art Display at the Library of the University of Victoria, as part of the 5 Days of Action Program, in partnership with the Human Rights office and Social Justice program. It was a great success!

In January 2019, when Indigenous artists visited La Paz, they coordinated photoshoots in a mining town, close to the ocean, and also worked on the creation of an art mural in the city of La Paz. The main reflections were around the importance of water, and clean air, community and resilience.

Currently, we are working on the proposals for our exhibitions for 2021; we are looking forward to having opportunities to showcase our work from the international alliances built through art and activism in Canada and Mexico. Our  vision is to offer dialogue and creative reflections in galleries, to bring the community together, and to heal through the arts.

La Pax and Visible Bodies want to acknowledge the Lekwungen, Esquimalt, and Songhees territories, and are thankful to live here on these beautiful lands.