Representation Through Glass
The day unfolded into an extraordinary narrative. We embarked on a journey in an unfamiliar place. The exterior presented a large cascading figure that cast a large shadow. Pediments in stone towered high above us, and four corners of the Earth were represented by strong figures of power. Four women in flowing panels of fabric sat with men at their feet; a powerful message before entering the space. It prepared one to expect a internal commentary on Grecian or Roman history. This was not the case. As we entered the building, we were met by marble staircases that spiraled up through the building at either side, and a large rotunda at the heart. High ceilings and metallic flourishes translated a space of exquisite beauty, and decadence. What might one expect to see and experience here? As we crawled through the space, the message became clearer. This was a space re-purposed, what was its story? The story of the Native peoples before this land was America. The exhibits were beautifully laid out. It began at the center, a modern representation of Native American works.
Magistipi, explored an open space with implied tipi structures lit up and enhanced by sound and video projection. It began to set the tone for the story. As the space went on into other galleries, the narrative grew. It told a modern tale of a very active and alive people, a people whose voices could carry the weight of years. One room had dim lighting with sound installations, and plaques on the walls with other languages written out.
In another room three cow skulls were aligned and marked with a single neon stripe of light. Each work told a new piece of this vivacious culture and the active artistry alive today. Soon the galleries transitioned into a more traditional scope of Native American tribes and artifacts from each. Behind glass, the pieces stood silent. Their story was told through brief text panels associated by picture.
As one gazed throughout a larger collection expanded and one could start to put together a story of tribal people as a whole, but… The exhibition failed to highlight any one tribe, and to distinguish them from one another. Each tribe, so unique and individual seemed to be muddled amongst each other as if their qualities were not distinct. Spanning the lengths of the room were tall glass cases with ceremonial robes, fixtures, sculpture, tools, and decorative pieces all plucked from different places. One might determine the associated culture with an item through panels but they stood mixed in with each other. Was this storytelling intentional? The displays were beautiful and unraveled a general sense of these places but did they really deepen an appreciation and understanding for these peoples and traditions? Somehow they felt lost again. While the exhibit was beautifully displayed, it made one think, what story is being told and by who?
