Native American artists from around the country are criticizing a new show opening at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
"Jimmie Durham: At the Center of the World" features work from the 40-year career of an internationally lauded American sculptor. He identifies as Cherokee. But his critics say he is not Native, and is hurting artists who are.
The exhibit fills several galleries at the Walker. Created by the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the show is touring to four major cities. Vincenzo de Bellis, the Walker curator for the exhibit, says Durham is multifaceted.
"He's a poet, writer, an intellectual and also, and mainly, a visual artist," de Bellis said.
He is also prolific. There are sculptures, paintings, videos and installations. Many of the pieces take aim at the establishment. Often they are funny, and disturbing.
"Jimmie is extremely sarcastic in everything: when he speaks and when he makes the works. The exhibition has a lot of possibly funny works, but they are often dark humor," said de Bellis.
Durham makes sculptures from found objects. Near the center of the show stand two enormous figures. One is the conquistador Cortez, made from car parts, sheet metal and pulleys. Curator Anne Ellegood of the Hammer Museum said the other is Malinche, the Aztec woman sold to Cortez as a slave who became his interpreter and wife. Ellegood said Malinche is often portrayed as a traitor in Mexico, as opposed to an oppressed, enslaved, indigenous woman.
"Colonization and the oppression of indigenous peoples and various forms of power structure and marginalization and discrimination are very much in Jimmie's work throughout," she said. "So, these are a very powerful example of that." Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Cock of the Walk(er), and other highlights
Durham claims Cherokee heritage. He never tried to enroll in any of the three Cherokee tribes, saying he objects to what he sees as an oppressive government system. A lot of his early work is about the struggle for Native rights. He was on the board of the American Indian Movement for years, but resigned and moved first to Mexico and later Europe. While he's well known and broadly exhibited there, this is his first major show in the United States in 30 years.
One part of the exhibition gathers pieces in which he parodies the interest in collecting Native artifacts by creating assemblages of animal skulls, fur and feathers with legs made from pieces of construction and police barricades. He has a full-length nude self-portrait as a native man.
Now in his late 70s, Durham has long been a subject of controversy among Native artists.
"It's not that he's like claiming to be Native," said Cherokee artist America Meredith. "He's claiming to be the Native. He's claiming to be the spokesperson for all Native American people. And that's offensive."
Meredith is based in Norman, Okla., and edits First American Art Magazine, devoted to indigenous artists. Meredith said researchers cannot find any Cherokee connection at all to Durham. She said the way the art world characterizes him as a Native artist is damaging.
"Art historians have really latched onto him. And he represents us. He's occupying a space. He's written more about than any actual Cherokee artist in the literature," she said.
Some Minnesota-based Native artists approached the Walker last year with concerns about the Durham show. One was choreographer Rosy Simas, who has presented work at the Walker. She is Seneka. She says there are very few visual arts shows by Native artists at the Walker.
"It has always been very heartbreaking to never see myself reflected in the work there," she said.
The exhibit's curators are paying attention. The Walker recently experienced a storm of criticism over a sculpture that contained design elements from a gallows used in the mass hanging of 38 Dakota men in 1862. That piece was removed. More: Why 'Scaffold' struck so raw a nerve
The Hammer Museum recognizes that Durham is not an enrolled Cherokee, said Anne Ellegood.
"Curatorially and in the field of contemporary art, we allow for self-identification," she said. "We have just operated from the position that this is Jimmie's history."
Ellegood said the research that suggests Durham may have no Native roots opens an opportunity for a broader conversation, and the Walker said it's looking for appropriate ways to do that. Artist Edgar Heap of Birds is a Cheyenne tribal member from Oklahoma. He's been Durham's friend for many years, and has exhibited with him in Europe. He described his friend's work as unique and honest, but when asked about the controversy, he sighed.
"I think it was probably hurtful to him," he said.
Heap of Birds will deliver the show's opening lecture Saturday afternoon.
Native American artists from around the country are criticizing a new show opening at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
"Jimmie Durham: At the Center of the World" features work from the 40-year career of an internationally lauded American sculptor. He identifies as Cherokee. But his critics say he is not Native, and is hurting artists who are.
The exhibit fills several galleries at the Walker. Created by the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the show is touring to four major cities. Vincenzo de Bellis, the Walker curator for the exhibit, says Durham is multifaceted.
"He's a poet, writer, an intellectual and also, and mainly, a visual artist," de Bellis said.
He is also prolific. There are sculptures, paintings, videos and installations. Many of the pieces take aim at the establishment. Often they are funny, and disturbing.
"Jimmie is extremely sarcastic in everything: when he speaks and when he makes the works. The exhibition has a lot of possibly funny works, but they are often dark humor," said de Bellis.
Durham makes sculptures from found objects. Near the center of the show stand two enormous figures. One is the conquistador Cortez, made from car parts, sheet metal and pulleys. Curator Anne Ellegood of the Hammer Museum said the other is Malinche, the Aztec woman sold to Cortez as a slave who became his interpreter and wife. Ellegood said Malinche is often portrayed as a traitor in Mexico, as opposed to an oppressed, enslaved, indigenous woman.
"Colonization and the oppression of indigenous peoples and various forms of power structure and marginalization and discrimination are very much in Jimmie's work throughout," she said. "So, these are a very powerful example of that."
Durham claims Cherokee heritage. He never tried to enroll in any of the three Cherokee tribes, saying he objects to what he sees as an oppressive government system. A lot of his early work is about the struggle for Native rights. He was on the board of the American Indian Movement for years, but resigned and moved first to Mexico and later Europe. While he's well known and broadly exhibited there, this is his first major show in the United States in 30 years.
One part of the exhibition gathers pieces in which he parodies the interest in collecting Native artifacts by creating assemblages of animal skulls, fur and feathers with legs made from pieces of construction and police barricades. He has a full-length nude self-portrait as a native man.
Now in his late 70s, Durham has long been a subject of controversy among Native artists.
"It's not that he's like claiming to be Native," said Cherokee artist America Meredith. "He's claiming to be the Native. He's claiming to be the spokesperson for all Native American people. And that's offensive."
Meredith is based in Norman, Okla., and edits First American Art Magazine, devoted to indigenous artists. Meredith said researchers cannot find any Cherokee connection at all to Durham. She said the way the art world characterizes him as a Native artist is damaging.
"Art historians have really latched onto him. And he represents us. He's occupying a space. He's written more about than any actual Cherokee artist in the literature," she said.
Some Minnesota-based Native artists approached the Walker last year with concerns about the Durham show. One was choreographer Rosy Simas, who has presented work at the Walker. She is Seneka. She says there are very few visual arts shows by Native artists at the Walker.
"It has always been very heartbreaking to never see myself reflected in the work there," she said.
The exhibit's curators are paying attention. The Walker recently experienced a storm of criticism over a sculpture that contained design elements from a gallows used in the mass hanging of 38 Dakota men in 1862. That piece was removed.
The Hammer Museum recognizes that Durham is not an enrolled Cherokee, said Anne Ellegood.
"Curatorially and in the field of contemporary art, we allow for self-identification," she said. "We have just operated from the position that this is Jimmie's history."
Ellegood said the research that suggests Durham may have no Native roots opens an opportunity for a broader conversation, and the Walker said it's looking for appropriate ways to do that. Artist Edgar Heap of Birds is a Cheyenne tribal member from Oklahoma. He's been Durham's friend for many years, and has exhibited with him in Europe. He described his friend's work as unique and honest, but when asked about the controversy, he sighed.
"I think it was probably hurtful to him," he said.
Heap of Birds will deliver the show's opening lecture Saturday afternoon.
Read the original:
Walker faces new Native art controversy - KUOW News and Information
- Jackboot - Wikipedia - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- The Federalist #51 - Constitution Society - January 8th, 2017 [January 8th, 2017]
- Free oppression Essays and Papers - 123helpme - January 25th, 2017 [January 25th, 2017]
- Labour movements in Congo Brazzaville: Between oppression and self determination - CADTM.org - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- A Modern Choice on Life - Harvard Political Review - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Opinion: While true oppression exists, hypocrisy of some women is clear - Shelby Township Source Newspapers - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Understanding Information Oppression in the Era of Trump - MediaFile - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Angolans Bravery Broke Down Chains of Colonial Oppression - Minister - AllAfrica.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Hoosier attorneys travel to Rwanda on legal mission trip - Indiana Lawyer - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Bishop: Government has betrayed me over refugees - Premier - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Open Letter to NFL Players Traveling to Israel on a Trip Organized by Netanyahu's Government - The Nation. - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Police Disperse Shiite Protesters Demanding Release Of El-Zakzaky - SaharaReporters.com - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Turkey's HDP Women's Assembly issues feminist call-to-arms against 'one man rule' - Left Foot Forward - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Collin Nji: The first African to win Google's CodeIn Challenge - Pulse ... - Pulse Nigeria - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Student leader says 'black-on-black crime is not a thing,' wants to ... - The College Fix - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Sri Lanka: Tamil Insurgents Marxism Versus Nationalism - Sri Lanka Guardian - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Israeli Knesset 'legalizes' robbery of Palestinian land - Liberation - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- LETTER: Evangelical Lutheran Church respond to political cartoon - The Dickinson Press - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Visiting Our Past: Odyssey of Clyde pioneer Jacob Shook - Asheville Citizen-Times - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Organize to defeat Trump's Muslim ban | Fight Back! - Fight Back! Newspaper - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Do we have a legitimate government? - Altoona Mirror - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Anti-Castro Cuban-American lawmakers see a champion in Trump - The Daily Progress - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Anti-Trump Swedish Government Accused of Hypocrisy for Kowtowing to Iran - Heat Street - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- CSG President vetoes Israel-Palestinian lunch resolution | The ... - The Michigan Daily - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Sweden's 'Feminist' Government Defends Veiling in Iran After Attacking Trump - Breitbart News - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- U. Mass Students Plot Strike Against 'Oppression' of Migrants - Breitbart News - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- March on Washington: Drawing the Line between Empowerment and Oppression - The Index - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Ethiopian Athlete Who Made Anti-government Gesture in Rio Reunites With Family - Voice of America - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Mottley: Tax clearance certificate an 'instrument of oppression' - Loop Barbados - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Sweden's 'feminist' government criticized for wearing headscarves in Iran - Washington Post - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Turkey purge: dark cloud of oppression hangs over country's universities - Times Higher Education (THE) (blog) - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Fox News' Todd Starnes Redefines 'The Deplorables' - Forward - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Christophobia: a Global Perspective - AINA (press release) - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- AzaadiFreedom from Indian Oppression - Economic and Political Weekly - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Iraqi forces advance on Islamic State-held western Mosul - Stars and Stripes - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Henry Rollins Doesn't Smoke Pot, But Demands The Right to Choose To - Weed News - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- UC San Diego Students Protest Visit by 'Oppressive and Offensive' Dalai Lama - Heat Street - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Commentary | We must all stand with Tibet - The McGill Daily (blog) - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- In Trump's America, Christian proselytizing is another form of oppression - LGBTQ Nation - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Elders share experiences with oppression from their youth - B.C. Catholic Newspaper - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Iran tells US chess champion to wear a hijab here's how she responds - TheBlaze.com - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Afro-Mexican people brought to light - The Daily Evergreen - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Online activism is leading the fight against oppression but at what cost? - Asian Correspondent - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Stephen Miller was no hero fighting left-wing oppression at Santa ... - Los Angeles Times - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Grass-roots leaders join call for 'disrupting' oppression that hurts many - Catholic News Service - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- President Trump Breaks a Promise on Transgender Rights - New York Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Pussy Riot Protests Through Make America Great Again Viral Video - Conatus News - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Governor Treen brought sunshine to Louisiana governmental conservatism - Bayoubuzz - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- I want an international probe into failed Turkey coup Fethullah Glen - Citifmonline - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Lateral Oppression Hurts Us All - The Lakota Country Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- On finding freedom from oppression, fear - Davisclipper - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Supreme Court denies bail to leading anti-base activist in Okinawa; government accused of oppression - The Japan Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Disobedience Checks Unjust Laws - The Oberlin Review - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Cycles and Oppression - Patheos (blog) - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Another Jewish cemetery desecrated; what will the President say? Isn't the government supposed to help? - San Diego Jewish World - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Transport groups hold nationwide transport strike to protest government's PUV modernization program - CNN Philippines - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Opinion: The Relevance of Orwell's 1984 - Emertainment Monthly (registration) (blog) - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Monitoring group documents Turkey-backed profiling in Netherlands - Turkey Purge - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- What should we see in the ashes of the Standing Rock protest camp? - Liberation - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Opinion: Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big ... - CNN - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Trump Vows Teamwork with 'Allies in the Muslim World' to 'Demolish and Destroy ISIS' - Breitbart News - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Freedom House: Chinese Communists Intensifying Religious ... - Voice of America - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- ISIS Threatens China In New Video Showing Chinese Jihadists - Vocativ - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - Gant Daily - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- This Is Why The Youth Is Picking Up Arms In Kashmir - Youth Ki Awaaz - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Saudi Arabia: Music video and government initiatives split society - Freemuse - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- From Latin America to South Africa: it's time for effective solidarity towards Palestine - The Daily Vox (blog) - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - CNN International - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Articles: Islam, the Veil, and Oppression - American Thinker - American Thinker - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- UK's student union rebukes officer for Israeli embassy plot - The Electronic Intifada (blog) - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- Public needs to help get government back on track - Fairfield Daily Republic - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- Shahbaz Bhatti's legacy six years on - DAWN.com - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- The Readers' Forum: Monday letters - Winston-Salem Journal - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - CNN - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- How America Became a Colonial Ruler in Its Own Cities - Vanity Fair - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Plurality of Americans are right: "dissatisfaction with government" worst problem facing country - Hilltop Views - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- The Oppression of Eve: Was Patriarchy Actually The First Sin? - Patheos (blog) - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Thousands in women's rights march in Polish capital - National - thenews.pl - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Probe: Artist Blacklist Antidemocratic Oppression - KBS WORLD Radio - KBS WORLD Radio News - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Peoples' Tribunal Indicts Myanmar Leaders for Genocide Against Rohingya, Atrocities Against Kachin - The Chicago Monitor - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]