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Nyssa Komorowski headshot

Nyssa Komorowski

Contract Lecturer
EducationPhD Candidate in Art History at University of Toronto, Specializing in Book History and Print Culture. MA in Art History from University of Toronto. BFA in Cross-disciplinary art at OCAD, specializing in Publications.
https://nyssakomorowski.weebly.com (external link) 

My research-creation practice handcrafts historical reconstructions of E. Pauline Johnson’s lost and alienated costume pieces that are not on public display, to redress her creative legacy as an artist. As part of this work, I take an interest in and teach Indigenous Fashion, looking at both historical garments and contemporary practices. One of my recent projects pairs photos of my mother and sister from the early 1980s with imagery from alienated wampum. This experimental research process visualizes Haudenosaunee diplomacy as it has always been: led by women and family. 

I’m a member of Oneida Nation of the Thames but I come from a family impacted by a 60s scoop era adoption. My research skills, along with my interest in archives and their absences, empowered the reconnection of my family. My great-grandmother was Dorothy Day of Turtle Clan, please contact me if you’re able to share anything about her life.

Indigenous Art Writing Award, runner up, C Magazine (2024)

SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (2022)

SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Masters (2020)

OCAD University Publications Program Medal (2015)