🎨Indigenous Arts Unit 7 – Indigenous Art and Social Justice

Key Concepts and Themes

• Indigenous art encompasses a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms created by Indigenous peoples around the world
• Themes of identity, cultural preservation, and resistance to colonialism are central to Indigenous art
• Indigenous art often incorporates elements of storytelling, spirituality, and connection to the land
• Many Indigenous artists use their work as a means of cultural revitalization and passing on traditional knowledge to younger generations
  • This includes teaching traditional techniques, such as weaving, carving, and pottery-making
• Indigenous art challenges Western art historical narratives and asserts the value and significance of Indigenous cultures
• Contemporary Indigenous artists often engage with issues of social justice, including land rights, environmental protection, and the impact of colonialism
  • For example, the work of Inuit artist Alootook Ipellie addresses the impact of climate change on Arctic communities

Historical Context

• Indigenous art has a long and complex history that predates European colonization
• Traditional Indigenous art forms, such as rock art, pottery, and textiles, have been practiced for thousands of years
• European colonization had a devastating impact on Indigenous cultures, including the suppression of traditional art forms and the theft of cultural artifacts
  • For example, the potlatch ceremony, which included the creation and distribution of art objects, was banned by the Canadian government from 1884 to 1951
• The assimilation policies of colonial governments, such as the residential school system in Canada, aimed to erase Indigenous cultures and identities
• Despite these challenges, Indigenous artists have continued to create and maintain their cultural traditions
• The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence of Indigenous activism and cultural pride, which led to a renewed interest in traditional art forms
• Contemporary Indigenous artists often draw on this historical context in their work, addressing themes of cultural loss, resilience, and revitalization

Traditional Art Forms

• Indigenous art encompasses a wide range of traditional art forms, including weaving, carving, pottery, and beadwork
• These art forms are often deeply connected to the natural environment, using materials such as wood, stone, clay, and plant fibers
• Traditional Indigenous art often serves functional purposes, such as clothing, tools, and household objects, as well as ceremonial and spiritual purposes
• Weaving is a significant art form in many Indigenous cultures, used to create clothing, blankets, and baskets
  • For example, the Navajo people are known for their intricate wool rugs and blankets
• Carving is another important traditional art form, used to create masks, totem poles, and other ceremonial objects
  • The totem poles of the Pacific Northwest Coast are a well-known example of this art form
• Pottery is a traditional art form in many Indigenous cultures, used to create functional and ceremonial objects
  • For example, the Pueblo people of the American Southwest are known for their distinctive black-on-black pottery
• Beadwork is a traditional art form that involves stitching glass or shell beads onto clothing, accessories, and other objects
  • Plains Indian beadwork, which often features geometric designs, is a well-known example of this art form

Contemporary Indigenous Art

• Contemporary Indigenous art builds on traditional art forms while also incorporating new materials, techniques, and themes
• Many contemporary Indigenous artists use their work to address issues of identity, cultural preservation, and social justice
• Contemporary Indigenous art often challenges Western art historical narratives and asserts the value and significance of Indigenous cultures
• Installation art is a common form of contemporary Indigenous art, often used to create immersive environments that engage with issues of land, history, and identity
  • For example, the work of Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore often incorporates elements of performance and installation to address issues of violence against Indigenous women
• Photography and video art are also significant forms of contemporary Indigenous art, used to document and preserve cultural traditions as well as to address contemporary issues
  • The work of Inuk artist Zacharias Kunuk, for example, uses film to explore issues of cultural identity and the impact of colonialism on Inuit communities
• Many contemporary Indigenous artists incorporate elements of traditional art forms, such as weaving, carving, and beadwork, into their work
  • For example, the work of Haida artist Robert Davidson combines traditional Haida carving techniques with contemporary materials and themes
• Contemporary Indigenous art is often exhibited in galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions, as well as in public spaces and online platforms

Social Justice Issues in Indigenous Art

• Indigenous artists often use their work to address issues of social justice, including land rights, environmental protection, and the impact of colonialism
• Land rights and sovereignty are central issues in Indigenous art, with many artists using their work to assert the importance of Indigenous land stewardship and to protest against resource extraction and development on Indigenous lands
  • For example, the work of Apache artist Douglas Miles often addresses issues of land rights and environmental justice
• Environmental protection is another significant theme in Indigenous art, with many artists using their work to raise awareness about the impact of climate change and other environmental issues on Indigenous communities
  • Inuit artist Alootook Ipellie, for example, uses his work to document the impact of climate change on Arctic communities
• The impact of colonialism, including the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, is another central theme in Indigenous art
  • The work of Cree artist Kent Monkman, for example, often addresses the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities through the lens of historical revisionism
• Indigenous artists also use their work to challenge stereotypes and misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples in popular culture
  • For example, the work of Kiowa artist Teri Greeves often incorporates elements of pop culture and kitsch to challenge stereotypes of Native American art and culture
• Many Indigenous artists see their work as a form of activism and resistance, using art as a means of raising awareness about social and political issues affecting Indigenous communities

Influential Artists and Movements

• There have been many influential Indigenous artists and art movements throughout history and into the present day
• The Woodland School of Art, which emerged in the early 20th century, was a significant movement in Indigenous art that combined traditional Anishinaabe art forms with Western art techniques
  • Artists associated with the Woodland School include Norval Morrisseau and Daphne Odjig
• The Inuit art movement, which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, was another significant development in Indigenous art, with artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak and Pudlo Pudlat gaining international recognition for their work
• The American Indian Movement (AIM) of the 1960s and 1970s was a significant political and cultural movement that also had an impact on Indigenous art
  • Artists associated with AIM, such as T.C. Cannon and Fritz Scholder, often used their work to address issues of Indigenous identity and resistance to colonialism
• Contemporary Indigenous artists such as Brian Jungen, Kent Monkman, and Rebecca Belmore have gained international recognition for their work, which often addresses issues of identity, colonialism, and social justice
  • Brian Jungen, for example, is known for his sculptures that repurpose consumer goods to create works that comment on issues of globalization and consumerism
• Indigenous women artists have also played a significant role in the development of Indigenous art, with artists such as Christi Belcourt, Shan Goshorn, and Nadia Myre using their work to address issues of gender, identity, and cultural preservation

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

• Indigenous art is deeply connected to the cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous peoples
• Many Indigenous art forms, such as weaving, carving, and pottery, have deep cultural and spiritual significance, often used in ceremonies and rituals
  • For example, Navajo sand paintings are created as part of healing ceremonies and are believed to have spiritual power
• The materials used in Indigenous art, such as wood, stone, and plant fibers, are often imbued with cultural and spiritual significance
  • For example, the cedar tree is considered sacred by many Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and is often used in carving and weaving
• The designs and symbols used in Indigenous art often have specific cultural meanings and associations
  • For example, the thunderbird is a common symbol in many Indigenous cultures, often associated with power, protection, and spiritual transformation
• Indigenous art is often used to tell stories and to pass on cultural knowledge and traditions to younger generations
  • For example, the totem poles of the Pacific Northwest Coast often depict family histories and cultural narratives
• The creation of Indigenous art is often seen as a spiritual practice, with artists taking on the role of cultural stewards and knowledge-keepers
  • Many Indigenous artists see their work as a means of maintaining and revitalizing cultural traditions in the face of ongoing colonialism and cultural assimilation

Impact and Future Directions

• Indigenous art has had a significant impact on contemporary art and culture, challenging Western art historical narratives and asserting the value and significance of Indigenous cultures
• The success of contemporary Indigenous artists such as Brian Jungen and Kent Monkman has helped to raise the profile of Indigenous art in the mainstream art world
• Indigenous art has also played a role in cultural revitalization and political activism, with many artists using their work to assert Indigenous rights and to resist ongoing colonialism
  • For example, the work of Inuit artist Alootook Ipellie has been instrumental in raising awareness about the impact of climate change on Arctic communities
• The future of Indigenous art is likely to be shaped by ongoing issues of cultural preservation, environmental protection, and social justice
• Many Indigenous artists are working to mentor and support younger generations of artists, passing on traditional knowledge and techniques while also encouraging innovation and experimentation
  • For example, the Indigenous Visual Arts Program at the Banff Centre in Canada provides training and support for emerging Indigenous artists
• The increasing use of digital technologies and social media is also likely to shape the future of Indigenous art, providing new platforms for artists to share their work and engage with audiences
  • For example, the #callresponse project, initiated by Tahltan artist Ayumi Goto and Métis artist Christi Belcourt, uses social media to connect Indigenous artists and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration
• As Indigenous art continues to gain recognition and influence in the mainstream art world, it has the potential to challenge and transform dominant narratives about art, culture, and history