Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Contemporary art exhibition explores what it means to be Alaska Native today

‘Our Story’ is on view Nov. 20, 2015 through Sept. 11, 2016, at the Anchorage Museum

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – “Our Story,” a new exhibition opening Friday, Nov. 20, at the Anchorage Museum, features work by Alaska Native artists who blend traditional and contemporary techniques to explore place and culture through multiple viewpoints.

“As Alaska Native peoples, we gather strength and are unified by sharing our own stories through words, art, and objects of the past. Until recently, Indigenous art was defined and described by non-Indigenous people in museums, books, and galleries,” explains “Our Story” curator and artist Drew Michael (Yup’ik/Iñupiaq). “The art in this exhibition helps tell the story of what it means to be Alaska Native from the perspective of Indigenous artists themselves.”

Tlingit artist Ricky Tagaban does this metaphorically and literally with his work Pouch, an iPhone bag made out of wool, cedar bark, and suede. Photographer Brian Adams looks at environmental change in his photograph Children in Newtok, Alaska Playing on Land Erosion.

“As a child I was drawn to objects that represented my cultural heritage. I wanted to learn from the artists themselves, but did not have that opportunity. All of the work included in this exhibition is made by artists who have influenced me and my own work. We are on the path to protect and activate our culture,” says Michael.

“Our Story,” is on view Nov. 20, 2015 through Sept. 11, 2016, at the Anchorage Museum.

This exhibition is supported by the Rasmuson Foundation and the Carr Foundation.

ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is the largest museum in Alaska and one of the top 10 most visited attractions in the state. The museum’s mission is to connect people, expand perspectives and encourage global dialogue about the North and its distinct environment. Learn more at anchoragemuseum.org.

 

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