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A Deeper Look: To Take Shape and Meaning

How can the NCMA influence meaningful dialogue around American Indian culture and history? In what ways do certain artistic mediums reflect the cultural identities and historical narratives of contemporary Indigenous artists? These questions may arise when visiting To Take Shape and Meaning: Form and Design in Contemporary American Indian Art, curated by Nancy Strickland Fields, now on view at the NCMA through July 28, 2024.   

Tom Farris (Otoe-Missouria/Cherokee Nation), Shifting Paradigms Übermensch, 2022, restored 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, H. 59 × W. 68 × D. 174 in., Courtesy of the artist

What would you, gazing into a mirror of an art piece, want reflected about yourself and your heritage? Shifting Paradigms Übermensch by Tom Farris, a member of the Cherokee Nation and Otoe-Missouria tribe, brings his perspective to this conversation. This customized vintage Volkswagen Jetta holds designs and illustrations reimagining Superman as a Cherokee Native. This piece challenges cultural stereotypes about how Native Americans are presented in comics and film. Farris accomplishes this by presenting the superhero without feathers and fringe, often seen in the depiction of Native characters. This work challenges viewers to identify Indigenous heritage beyond the cliches.  

Harlen Chavis Jr. (Lumbee), Mississippian Gorget, 2022, copper and artificial sinew, H. 22 × W. 5 1/2 in., Collection of the Museum of the Southeast American Indian

Now take a moment to look around you. What can be sourced from the earth to create? This thought process is what makes Native American artists unique. Harlen Chavis Jr., a Lumbee Indian freestyle artist, utilizes natural materials such as pottery sherds, glass, copper, gold, and much more to create culturally reflective jewelry. His ancestral symbolic piece Mississippian Gorget, crafted from copper and artificial sinew materials, reflects status and power. It serves as an olive branch to connect with others who have commonalities in lifestyle and culture.  

Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Seminole), “Mother Earth” Turtle, 2023, silicon bronze cast, H. 20 × W. 17 × D. 3 1/2 in., Courtesy of the artist; Photo: Justin Rogers Photography

Other luxurious materials such as palladium, silver, gold, stone, and marble can be found in the works of Muscogee and Seminole Indian artist Kenneth Johnson. Within Native American culture, many lessons are derived from the organic nature of the earth and the creatures that inhabit the lands. One of his three featured works of art, “Mother Earth,” Turtle presents a turtle engraved with symmetrical patterns following the cycle of life. This artwork communicates the lesson of one blossoming into the world, transitioning through phases of youth and adulthood, and resting in the final form of wisdom.  

Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo), Root I, 2019, ceramic, glaze, linen, jute string, steel, and leather, H. 70 × W. 20 1/2 × D. 16 in., Rennie Collection, Vancouver

While there are many beautiful lessons to be learned, can pain be communicated as well? What does this look like when cultural heritage is a part of the narrative? Pueblo Native American artist Rose B. Simpson dedicates her work to enlightening viewers on the hardships faced by Indigenous communities. Her featured artwork Root 1 showcases an empowered Indigenous woman with the intent to bring awareness around the endangerment of the lives of Native women across the nation. With a visit to the NCMA Park, you will find an equally impactful message from her work titled Counterculture. These five sculptures stand at an astounding height to highlight the impact of colonialism causing millions of Native Americans to be forcibly removed from their land. 

Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo), Counterculture, 2022, dyed concrete, steel, clay, and cable, dimensions variable, Commissioned by Art & the Landscape, a program of the Trustees, Massachusetts; Courtesy of the artist, Jessica Silverman, San Francisco, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, and private collection, Boston

 There are so many opportunities in To Take Shape and Meaning to understand and appreciate Native American culture and history. With the display of diverse artistic mediums reflecting the cultural identities of our contemporary Indigenous artists, visitors are exposed to the richness of the Native American community. We hope you’ve been inspired to visit this special exhibition!

Picture of Kristen Bannerman
Kristen Bannerman is a 2024 communications and marketing intern at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

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