Iâm super grateful to have my work included in a such an amazing group exhibition currently on view @dreamsong.art titled âGroundworkâ. The exhibition features the work of 17 artists and is a part of the inaugural Wakpa Triennial #wakpatriennial taking place across the Twin Cities this summer.
This exhibition felt like the perfect opportunity to finally make a very personal artwork relating to my Mdewakanton Dakota ancestry (more below and on the upcoming slides). For many years now Iâve been thinking about how this subject matter and the story of my ancestors might enter in to my art practice, but I could never quite make that leap.
Many thanks to Dreamsong for inviting me to take part in this exhibitionâthe invite and the curatorial theme behind the exhibition gave me the courage I needed to open up a new part of my art practice that I look forward to exploring in many different ways.
If youâre reading this I hope you can make a visit to Dreamsong in NE Mpls! Open through Aug 5.
1:
âSeen In Every Directionâ, 2023, Acrylic, wax, digital prints, and copper nails on canvas with ash frame, 46.25 x 65 in. (See slides 9â10 for more detail about this artwork)
2:
A detail view of âSeen In Every Directionâ
3â4:
The full text I wrote on the inner part of the paintingâs ash frame honoring Bdote and my ancestors
5â7:
Tachundahupa
8â10:
Mni Sota Makoce
If youâve made it this far, thanks for reading! đđ MitĂĄkuye OyĂĄsâiĆ
Say hello to Hazen Maza Nelson đŁ
This sweet lilâ guy was born in the very early morning hours of February 27th at 6lbs 14oz, 20â in length, and with a full head of hair đ. Elizabeth and I have full hearts đ„°
