A new exhibit pairing contemporary art with historic objects to create conversations and dispel preconceptions of Native American communities is now open at History Colorado.
The exhibit, titled Danielle SeeWalker: But We Have Something to Say showcases the artwork of Danielle SeeWalker. She is a Húnkpapha Lakhóta citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, and her new exhibit at the museum explores issues important to Native American people and communities while also allowing visitors the chance to reconsider their preconceptions of Indigenous art.
“My aesthetic is different from what people might expect Native American art to be; it’s not the stereotypical Chief on a horse overlooking a river from a hill. I’m showcasing that Native art can take on different forms, styles and mediums,” SeeWalker said in a release from History Colorado.
In the exhibit, SeeWalker’s art shows Lakota traditions along with nineteenth century hair ornaments, historic documents and images, moccasins, and beaded spoons. The exhibit also features objects from History Colorado’s collection with the goal of telling stories that have not been explored at the museum in the past or have been misrepresented.
SeeWalker uses color palettes, expressionistic art strategies, and Lakota traditions when creating her art. Her work focuses on the intersections of historical Native American society and modern culture. Her artwork usually incorporates the use of mixed media and experimentation while incorporating traditional Native American scenes, materials, and messaging.
“(SeeWalker’s) work forges a connection between the past and present. It brings Indigeneity into the here and now, while creating on-ramps into complicated historical topics – like assimilation, displacement, and erasure – and combating stereotypes that lock us into beads and buckskin,” said Felicia Bartley in a statement. Bartley (Pueblo of Istela) is the assistant curator of Indigenous Culture and Heritage at History Colorado.
With “But We have Something to Say,” Bartley noted that she hopes the exhibit will serve as an inspiration to other Native American artists to see what is in their local historical societies and start a dialogue about the stories that haven’t been told and the voices that are sleeping in their archives.
“But We Have Something to Say” opened last week and is funded in part by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. The History Colorado Center is at 1200 N. Broadway and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for children ages 18 and under is free every day.
“I think women in the art world, especially women of color and Native American women, are underrepresented. Seeing my work given a platform like this means so much for me, my ancestors, and for younger generations who will see it and be inspired to share their perspectives.
