Opening: Native Identity: Reflection in the Figure

Join us for the opening of Native Identity: Reflection in the Figure
 and the Tia x Chatter Mural Unveiling by Darrah Blackwater.

In contemporary Native American art, the human figure often emerges as a compelling symbol, embodying themes of identity, tradition, and resilience. Curator and exhibiting artist Del Curfman shows how Native artists navigate intricate histories, confront stereotypes, and assert cultural sovereignty. The figure serves as a dynamic medium for storytelling, personal expression, and the reclamation of narratives marginalized or distorted by colonization. Carl Beam masterfully integrates traditional Native themes with modern media, often through assemblage. Rick Bartow’s figures are frequently animal-human hybrids, while Earl Biss captivates audiences with his bold, abstract paintings. Del Curfman and Frank Buffalo Hyde use pop culture and appropriated Native imagery to reclaim and redefine identity. Wendy Red Star’s photographic series offers a reimagining of key historical moments in Crow Nation history, blending humor and critique. Artists like Danielle SeeWalker and Neal Ambrose-Smith expand the conversation by incorporating mixed media and sculptural elements to amplify Native voices.