Conversation with Scott Benesiinaabandan, Paul Robles & Leslie Supnet
Moderated by Jennifer Gibson and Jenny Western
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
2:30 - 3:45 pm
Convocation Hall (Second floor of Wesley Hall), The University of Winnipeg
Please email Gallery 1C03 by October 1 if you plan to attend and require ASL interpretation.
This event brings together three of the artists featured in Gallery 1C03's Let Light and Truth Flourish exhibition. All three -- Scott Benesiinaabandan, Paul Robles and Leslie Supnet -- are alumni of the University of Winnipeg. Each completed a degree at UWinnipeg in subjects seemingly unrelated to visual arts. Learn about their art and how their experience as a UW student has impacted their creative practice. Moderators and fellow UWinnipeg alumni, Jennifer Gibson and Jenny Western, will also briefly discuss their journey from UW to their work as curators.
About the artists
Scott Benesiinaabandan is an Anishinaabe artist originally from Obishikokaang (Lac Seul First Nations). Scott works in experimental image making and sonic materials. Scott’s research interests involve the intersections between artificial-intelligence and Anishinaabemowin. Scott has completed international residencies at Parramatta Artist Studios in Australia, Context Gallery in Derry, North of Ireland, and at the University Lethbridge/Royal Institute of Technology iAIR as well as with the Initiative for Indigenous Futures and AbTec in Montreal. He has carried out collaborative projects in the UK, Ireland and Berlin. He completed an BA at the University of Winnipeg in psychology and religion and a MFA in photography at Concordia University. He currently works out of his hometown of Winnipeg.
Born in the Philippines, Paul Robles is an artist based in Winnipeg, Canada, Treaty One. Recognized for his intricate cut paper works, Robles combines the delicacy associated with traditional hand work that addresses psychological and emotional states ranging from animist familiars, folklore, spirits, trauma, and grief. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Gold Medal) from University of Manitoba School of Art and Bachelor of Arts degree (Sociology) from The University of Winnipeg. Robles has exhibited widely in Canada, USA, and France. He has participated in Plug In ICA’s Summer Institute Residence Program, and Papier Art Fair, Montreal. He produced an outdoor installation for Nuit Blanche (in Winnipeg & Waterloo, ON) and installed a mural for the Wall-to-Wall Festival in Sept 2021. Robles is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to Manitoba's art and culture.
Leslie Supnet is a moving image artist and educator. She has taught extensively in the community as a facilitator, mentor and academic instructor at OCAD University, with service on artist-run Boards in Winnipeg and Toronto. Leslie’s artistic practice spans various media – animation, analog film/video, expanded drawing and design, with works screened at TIFF, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Image Forum Festival in Japan, Flaherty NYC and Kurzfilmtage Oberhausen amongst many others. She holds an MFA in Film Production (experimental stream) from York University and is currently the Executive Director of the Winnipeg Film Group.
Getting here and accessibility
UWinnipeg campus, accessibility and parking maps
Convocation Hall is located on the second floor of Wesley Hall, marked with an "W" on the campus map. It is the building that faces Portage Avenue and looks like a castle. Accessible, street level visitor entrance to the building with auto door openers and ramp is via Leatherdale Hall, located immediately behind Wesley. Once inside, take the ramp to the end of the hallway. The elevator will be to the left. There are gender-inclusive, accessible washrooms immediately inside the entrance of Leatherdale Hall and gendered, accessible washrooms ten feet from the entrance to Convocation Hall.