American art in new, ‘Native’ context on display at Muskegon Museum of Art

Jonathan Thunder, “Quarantine at Gramma’s House”. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

Just as it is nearly impossible to categorize “contemporary art” in the new millennium, it is also of little value to label contemporary Native American art as realistic or abstract, as idealistic or fatalistic.

As evidenced by three exhibitions of contemporary works by Native American artists currently on view at the Muskegon Museum of Art this winter, Native American art and artists defy labels and categories.

The MMA’s major show, opened earlier this month, is “The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, is organized by the MMA in partnership with the Grand Valley State University Art Department. But just as intriguing is the MMA’s exhibits “Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative” and “Levi Rickert: Standing Rock — Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”.

The three exhibits will be up though February, 2021.

The Art of the People

“The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, according to an announcement from the Muskegon Museum of Art, features artwork by both nationally recognized and “early career” contemporary Native American artists “in a wide array of media that combines cultural traditions, imagery, and themes.”

The invitational show will appear concurrently at the MMA and Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and incorporates sculpture, painting, ceramics, beadwork, mixed media, and photography.

“The exhibition explores the ways in which these artists express their experiences in both traditional and non-traditional media, techniques, and subject matter,” according to the announcement. “Through representational and abstract imagery and design, the artists address issues of craft, history, identity, social and political justice, and popular culture.”

Jason Quigno is the guest curator, and is a sculptor and member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. According to supplied information, he works in a variety of stone —granite, basalt, marble, limestone, and alabaster — “transforming raw blocks into flowing forms.” His work has garnered significant recognition and awards and he has completed numerous public commissions for communities and institutions around Michigan.

Exhibiting artists in the show also include Le’Ana Asher, Adam A v ery, Shirley Brauker, Kelly Church, Wally Dion, Dino Downwind, Cherish Parrish, Jonathan Thunder, Robin Waynee, and Jason Wesaw.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 28, at the Muskegon Museum of Art and opens in January 2021 at the GVSU Art Gallery.

Challenging the Narrative

“Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative”, organized by the MMA, features new and favorite paintings by Denomie, a nationally known and award winning Anishinaabe artist, which reveal “the continuity and ongoing explorations” within his work.

Jim Denomie, “Four Days and Four Nites Two Moons”. (Supplied)

“His colorful, humorous paintings directly address historical, political, and cultural issues facing Native Americans in the U.S.,” according to the announcement. “Using traditional imagery, stereotypes, comic symbols, and pop culture imagery, Denomie presents playful, alluring narratives that, on closer inspection, reveal biting and thought-provoking challenges to historic and contemporary misperceptions, prejudices, and injustices.”

The exhibition runs through March 10, 2021. For more information, visit his website here.

Standing Rock photographs

“Levi Rickert: Standing Rock, Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”, is a collection of photographs which document Rickert’s journey to Standing Rock in 2016 as part of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Photograph at Standing Rock by Levi Rickert (Supplied)

“These images capture not just the news-making conflicts and clashes between protestors and private security firms at the site, but also the day-to-day experiences of the men and women joined in their shared call for action,” according to the announcement.

Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online.

This exhibition runs through February 28, 2021.

The Muskegon Museum of Art

The Muskegon Museum of Art galleries and store are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays. Safety protocols include limited occupancy in galleries and other public spaces, social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and requiring visitors and staff to wear masks.

For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org.