Tulsa Takes Center Stage in ‘Native American Art: Beyond the Binary’ Exhibition

Tulsa Takes Center Stage in ‘Native American Art: Beyond the Binary’ ExhibitionTulsa Takes Center Stage in ‘Native American Art: Beyond the Binary’ Exhibition The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition that celebrates the transformative power of Native American art. “Native American Art: Beyond the Binary” presents a diverse array of artworks from the museum’s extensive collection, challenging traditional boundaries and stereotypes. This thought-provoking exhibition transcends the reductive binary categories often associated with Native American art. It unveils a spectrum of expressions, perspectives, and artistic traditions that defy easy classification. The works on display range from ancestral pieces to contemporary creations, blurring the lines between past and present, tradition and innovation. At the heart of the exhibition is the concept of Indigeneity, which recognizes the inherent interconnectedness of Native American peoples and their ancestral lands. The artworks showcased embody the resilience, creativity, and cultural continuity of Native American communities. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a series of paintings by renowned Osage artist Jerome Tiger. His works depict the beauty and spirituality of the Osage people, evoking the interconnectedness of the natural world, human experience, and ancestral traditions. Another captivating aspect of the exhibition is the display of contemporary Native American ceramics. Artists such as Maria Martinez, Hopi potter, and Joy Harjo, poet and musician, challenge conventional notions of clay by incorporating innovative techniques, materials, and designs. Their works explore themes of identity, feminism, and environmentalism. “Native American Art: Beyond the Binary” also features a section dedicated to the influence of Native American art on modernism and abstract expressionism. It examines how non-Native artists, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Mark Rothko, were inspired by the bold colors, geometric patterns, and spiritual significance of Native American art. The exhibition is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of Native American art. It invites visitors to engage with the complex and multifaceted nature of Indigenous cultures and to appreciate the transformative power of artistic expression. The Gilcrease Museum is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the exhibition “Native American Art: Beyond the Binary” is on view through August 27, 2023.