Step into the Indian Theater at Bard College’s Hessel Museum for an innovative look at the history of Native art, combining performance and static art.
A new source of conversation: Bard College’s Hessel Art Museum
Earlier this summer, Diné artist Eric-Paul Lige brought art to life in a whole new way at the Hessel Museum. As visitors strolled through the gallery, they encountered a mesmerizing sight.How Lige weaves around the hanging fibers sculpture, embrace the work as if it were part of a performance. And that’s exactly what they were.
But here’s the kicker. This show is not just about Eric-Paul Lige and his dynamic art. It’s an exhibition called “Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969,” and it does something that most shows don’t do. Curated by Candice Hopkins, this work challenges our ideas of what Indigenous art is.
The multifaceted nature of indigenous art and performance
As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll notice a wide range of works on display, from sculpture to photography to video. But these are not just static parts. They are imbued with the living essence of indigenous culture. This is not your typical art exhibition. Rather, it’s more like a living commentary on indigenous life.
That’s not all. The artworks express the duality of being both performer and artist that many Indigenous artists practice on a daily basis. Candice Hopkins carefully unpacks how art and performance are integrated into the daily lives of Indigenous peoples.of Showcase It helps you understand how rituals, cultural symbols, and even clothing are art and commentary on colonial history.
Rarity and complexity: Why this show is a treasure.
exhibition This stuff is like a rare gem. Art museum/museum There aren’t a ton of showcases dedicated to Indigenous artists across the country. But we’re here in Annandale on Hudson, two hours away from New York City. Exhibitions there boldly explore the complexities of Indigenous art and identity.
But don’t expect a smooth ride. This show isn’t shy about being intellectually challenging. Some pieces, like Dana Claxton’s “Headdress” photography, have an immediate visual impact, while others, like Tanya Lukin Linklater’s text-based videos, take a fleeting moment to absorb emotional weight. Some works require contemplation. However, these layers of complexity are not bugs. They are a feature and make this exhibition even more important.
Step into the Indian Theater at Bard College’s Hessel Museum for an innovative look at the history of Native art, combining performance and static art.
Shining a spotlight on outstanding works
Among the highlights is the work of Joan Quick-to-See Smith, who uses paper dolls to challenge stereotypes of Native Americans. Another standout work of his is Kay WalkingStick. His abstract expressions dispel the common belief that abstraction is a purely Western invention. Their art not only challenges, but subverts, the preconceptions many of us have about Indigenous art, making the experience even more eye-opening.
final thoughts
“Indian Theater” is not just about showcasing the arts. It becomes a mirror of society. Like Eric-Paul Lige and his immersive performance work, it challenges us to understand that Indigenous art is not just something to observe, but something to participate in. Doing so promises an artistic journey that is as enlightening as it is fascinating. If you’re planning a trek to the Hessel Museum, this is one exhibit you don’t want to miss.
