Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art on view January 14 through April 29, 2012
This winter, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) presents, Shapeshifting, one of the largest Native American Art exhibitions to open in North America in more than 30 years. Nearly 80 works from public and private collections worldwide offer a far-reaching exploration of Native American art as a continuum, juxtaposing historic and contemporary artworks. Through constellations of objects created in a range of media – ÂÂÂÂsculpture, painting, ceramics, textiles, photography, drawing, film, video and monumental installation – visual and conceptual connections are drawn between generations of Native people, art traditions and cultures. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
“Typically arranged chronologically, geographically, or by medium, exhibitions of Native Art have almost exclusively focused on either historical or contemporary works, with very little mixing of the two,” says Karen Kramer Russell, exhibition curator and PEM’s curator of Native American Art and Culture. “Shapeshifting will prompt visitors to see the links and continuities within the vast panorama of Native American art, and to consider it with fresh eyes. Our intention is to shift how Native Art is exhibited and discussed.”
Spanning vast cultural, historical, intellectual, and aesthetic terrain, Shapeshifting offers a new approach to Native American art by exploring the conceptual underpinnings and artistic intent of contemporary and historic artworks alike.
“We have been especially fortunate to have the wise counsel, creativity, and expertise of a stellar group of advisors, authors, and artists from a wide range of disciplines and experiences, including many from Native American and other cultures,” said Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, The James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes Chief Curator at PEM.
Shapeshifting is organized into four thematic sections: Changing, Knowing, Locating, and Voicing. Two monumental contemporary installations that compellingly address familiar icons and materials–– Kent Monkman’s 2007 Theâtre de Cristal and Brian Jungen’s 2002 Cetology-begin and end visitors’ journey through the exhibition.
OPENING DAY CELEBRATION | SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012 | 10 AM – 5PM
Celebrate the opening of Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art with a day of performances, panel discussions, film, art activities, exhibition tours, and more. Details available at: www.pem.org/calendar
ATRIUM ALIVE WEEKEND FESTIVAL: SHAPESHIFTING | FEBRUARY 18 & 19, 2012 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Explore PEM’s newest exhibition with a weekend of interactive and engaging programming. Song and dance, weaving demonstrations, artist lectures, art making and more. Visit www.pem.org/calendar for details.
PRESS PREVIEW AND EXHIBITION TOUR TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012 | 9:30 AM BREAKFAST | 10 AM REMARKS | 10:30 AM TOUR
Breakfast and exhibition tour of the galleries with PEM Curator of Native American Art and Culture, Karen Kramer Russell. RSVP to Whitney Riepe by Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by e-mailing whitney_riepe@pem.org or calling 978-745-9500 x3228.
EXHIBITION CATALOG
Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art, Yale University Press © 2012, Softcover ($39.95) and Hardcover ($65), 248 pages with featured essays by: Karen Kramer Russell, Bruce Bernstein, Joe D. Horse Capture, Jessica L. Horton, Janet Catherine Berlo, Paul Chaat Smith. Available at the PEM Shop, in person or online at: www.pemshop.com.