Nicholas Galanin: I Think it Goes Like This? An examination of the shifting nature of indigeneity ca
Nicholas Galanin: I Think it Goes Like This? An examination of the shifting nature of indigeneity can be seen in I Think it Goes Like This?, a seeming puzzle of dissected totem pole or sculptural elements, disassembled and installed as a pile of disparate but related elements. Painted matte black, the carvings protocol is all mixed up. Which clan animal goes where? The eagle is not on top. Is there even an eagle? Indians are all about eagles. The artist cuts up expectations and rule books in his push to question and innovate. As much as Galanin likes to mix up and target cultural stereotypes with satire, his work is also about having big heart and a deep respect for his cultural heritage. –Tania Willard (2013) Artist Statement: I work with concepts; the medium follows. In the business of this “Indian Art World,” I have become impatient with the institutional prescription and its monolithic attempt to define culture as it unfolds. Native American Art cannot be commonly defined as our work moves freely through time. The viewer, collector, or curators’ definition will often convey more about themselves than that of the “Native Artist.” In the past I have struggled with this title, though I now embrace my position as a contemporary indigenous artist with belief that some forms of resistance often carry equal amounts of persistence. My current collection of work presents visual experiences in hope of inspiring creative dialogue with the viewer. I often work with an intention to contribute towards contemporary cultural development. Through education and creative risk-taking, I hope to progress cultural awareness both in and out of this Indigenous world. Let us leave fucked up stereotypes. While moving forward, we liberate the Indian artist. -- source link
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