For centuries, native peoples have practiced sustainable living, having a cultural and spiritual connection to the environment and a deep respect for the balance of natural and rhythmic cycles of plant, animal and human life which has always been nurtured and guarded. In Native Confluence, three Native American artists (or groups of artists) from Arizona and New Mexico will each spend one week per month in residence.
Prior to opening, all of the artists together will conceptualize a theme or direction for the project, which will then be continually developing throughout their residencies at the museum, inspired through the lens of the collective. The first artist in residence will start the project knowing that later artists will add or subtract to the piece over a period of time. In the end, there will be a true collaborative installation that has been inspired by material, cultural and personal creativity.
The project will include an installation in progress within the gallery at the CRC as well as seep outside onto the exterior walls of the building. It is anticipated that materials to be used will include clay, adobe, dirt, stone, branches and other organic materials.
Native Confluence speaks to a native worldview in terms of inter-generational methods of practicing sustainability. It’s this approach to organic materials – tools from ancestral traditions – that allow new doors to open. This idea is holistic in its approach; the idea of sustainability is consciousness about the whole – whole community, world and self.
Participating artists:
Nora Naranjo Morse, Espanola, NM
Athena & Bill Steen, Canelo Project, Elgin, AZ
The Postcommodity Collective (Kade Twist, Steven Yazzie, Nathan Young and Raven Chacon)
Tentative residency schedule:
Aug. 24-29, First artist residency – The Postcommodity Collective. Exhibition project opens to the public August 29
Sept. 21-25, 2nd residency – Nora Naranjo Morse, who will return for opening reception Oct. 9
Nov. 9-14, 3rd residency-Athena & Bill Steen, in conjunction with the Green build conference (tours at museum on Friday & Saturday)
Visit the About section of our Web site or our blog for project details.
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