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Loadamosiva (Otis Polelonema)
Hopi, 1902-1972
Bride Woman, 20th century
Watercolor on paper
19 x 12 in. (48.3 x 30.5 cm.)
Gift of Justice and Mrs. Louis D. Brandeis
1934.22.2
Moccasins
Once Known Great Lakes Artist
1900
3 1/8 x 3 3/4 x 10 9/16 in. ( 7.9 x 9.5 26.8 cm.)
leather, wool, cotton, glass beads
1937.68.158 a, b
Fredrick Weygold Collection
Arthur Amiotte
Oglala Lakota, 1973
24 x 18 in. (61 x45.7 cm)
Oil on canvas
L2023.58.1
Loan courtsey of the Tia Collection, Santa Fe, NM
Photography Credit: Arthur Amiotte, Buffalo Image, 1973.Courtesy of Tia Collection, Santa Fe, NM. James Hart Photography.
Floral Pouch
Once Known Great Lakes Artist
About 1900
3 3/4 x 7 1/4 in. (9.5 x 18.4 cm)
Leather, wool, glass, beads
1937.68.180
Museum purchase
APRIL 4, 2024 – ONGOING
Location: Upper 83, South Building
Curator: Dr. fari nzinga
Recently, the Speed has re-engaged with its Native American art collection, ensuring compliance with federal law and building relationships with Native stakeholders and culture-bearers. Alongside Dr. fari nzinga, Curator of the Native American collection, Curatorial Intern, Sirene Martin, has prioritized communication with Tribal leaders and liaisons, as well as collections research. The updated galleries of Native American art will feature not only a reinterpreted view of the museum’s existing collection, but also new acquisitions and loans, curated with input from Native artists, curators, and culture-bearers. The reinstallation will catalyze expanded programming designed to bring more Native voices into the everyday life of the Speed Art Museum.
Installation support by
Alan and Shelly Ann Kamei
Michael C. Jordan
RELATED PROGRAMMING
1st Thursday
April 4, 5–8 PM
Join us for a special first look at The Speed Collects: Native American Art with Dr. fari nzinga, Curator of the Native American collection, Curatorial Intern, Sirene Martin.
1st Thursday | Artist Talk with Chris Pappan
June 6, 6 pm
Join us for an Artist Talk with Chicago-based contemporary Native American artist, Chris Pappan. Pappan’s Thoughts and Prayers (2023) is one of the first works of contemporary Native American art to enter the permanent collection in many years. Hear about his inspiration, creative process, and studio practice.
April Community Day
April 28, 12 – 4 pm
Join the Speed as we celebrate the reinstallation of the Native American Art Galleries. This special day will be filled with Indigenous-led programming, art, food, and fellowship. The day begins at noon in the Grand Hall with a public conversation with Dr. Meranda Roberts (Paiute) who will discuss her collaboration with the Curator of the Native American Collection, Dr. fari nzinga, and Curatorial Intern, Sirene Martin.
At 1 pm, a full Inter-Tribal Pow Wow will take place, in the Atrium, with Singers and Dancers representing 8 categories of Pow Wow dance styles. We will also hear from Lakota Tribal Elder, Harold Whitehorse Thompson, and other leaders in the Indigenous community as they share culturally specific stories and perspectives on the importance of this reinstallation.
Additionally, throughout the day there will be vendor market where Indigenous artisans will sell and demonstrate their process of making their works. Guest Chef Lauri Lake- Navajo (Diné) will be selling Fry Bread, Navajo Tacos, and other delicious treats. There will be an art-making workshop for the whole family led by local artist, Tone (Taíno).
This reimagined presentation of Native American art and the Community Day celebrating it, were created in partnership with both a Curatorial Advisory Council as well as an Indigenous Community Advisory Council.
The Speed Collects: Native American Art in the News
The Speed Art Museum Reimagines Their Native American Galleries, LEO Weekly, May 13, 2024
Uplifting the Culture, Native American Art magazine, October 1, 2024
Exhibition Season Support By
Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein
Debra and Ronald Murphy
Sociable Weaver Foundation