Renée Condo, a Montreal-based artist of Mi’gmaq ancestry, creates stunning works of art using wooden beads. Drawing on her Indigenous heritage, Condo explores themes of spirit and heart knowledge through her intricate beadwork. Her bold acrylic paint and meticulous sanding techniques bring to life vibrant compositions of fruits, raindrops, and suns.
In her practice, Condo delves into the concept of “mntu,” or spirit, and the idea of heart knowledge, actions that stem from empathy and love. By crafting sculptural pieces that highlight interconnection and flow, she reimagines Indigenous creation stories and myths, infusing her work with a deep sense of tradition.
One of Condo’s central interests lies in the relationship between individual beads and the overall composition. She emphasizes how a single bead may seem abstract on its own but gains meaning and significance within the context of a larger piece. According to Condo, each bead embodies infinite potentiality and holds the secrets of the world and the nature of reality.
This fall, art enthusiasts can view Condo’s work at GAVLAK, where she is represented. For more insights into her practice, follow her on Instagram.
Condo’s artistry is showcased in pieces like “Giju’” (2024), “Newt” (2023), and “Welgwija’latl V” (2023), each displaying her meticulous craftsmanship and unique vision. Through works like “Gesiangam’tg 2” (2025) and “Gesiangam’tg 3” (2025), she captures the beauty of cherry-like forms with intricate detail and precision.
In “Pgumane’get / Go to get (pick) Blueberries” (2022), Condo incorporates a yellow circle with blue dots, symbolizing the act of picking blueberries. Her artistry extends to pieces like “Ne’talqigwat: Between Worldviews (a,b)” (2024), a diptych that explores the space between different perspectives, and “Untitled” (2025), a triptych featuring cherry-like forms emerging from the center.
Condo’s work is a testament to her deep connection to her Mi’gmaq heritage and her commitment to exploring themes of spirit, tradition, and interconnectedness through her art. As she continues to create captivating pieces, she invites viewers to delve into the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and storytelling that inspires her work.
