rebeccmeister: (Default)
rebeccmeister ([personal profile] rebeccmeister) wrote2021-07-19 04:51 pm

Heard Museum 2021 in four parts

I. I love to visit just for the building. It is a beautiful, peaceful space, with multiple courtyards and shaded walkways full of beautiful sculptures and plants.

Scenes at the Heard Museum

Scenes at the Heard Museum

Scenes at the Heard Museum

II. One of the current exhibits is called "Small Wonders" and features a ton of tiny, exquisite works of art, and homage to many jewelry-making traditions that economically sustain many Native communities. The insects, of course, especially caught my eye, including this cicada and tarantula killer by Liz Wallace:

Cicada and other pieces by Liz Wallace

Tarantula killer by Liz Wallace

Apparently these wings aren't simple inlayed stone - they are more like miniature stained-glass pieces that light can shine through. Gorgeous and incredible.

I regret that I did not take a picture of the ring that this description is for:
Under False Pretense - description

The ring contains so much symbolism in such a small format and is very compelling.

III. Photos cannot do justice to the incredible Dine rugs that are currently on display. I generally don't take a ton of pictures of art, but this sign made me laugh and change my mind this time:

Please do not touch

It's hard to read, but it says, "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH - The artwork is practicing social distancing"

The detail, the symbolism, the precision, the care in these rugs is just amazing.

Pieces from All At Once: The Gift of Navajo Weaving

Pieces from All At Once: The Gift of Navajo Weaving

I would have to take a thousand pictures to do these justice, and even then it wouldn't be the same because these rugs have such tangible presence. What a treasure.

IV. I also appreciated this collection of Native-made face masks:

Masks, Heard Museum

Not all of these are practical/functional, but this exhibit speaks to contemporary, living art traditions that interact with and respond to events in the world. Native communities have been hit very hard by the global pandemic but have also reacted in distinct and unique ways.

-

It was only after I went home that I realized I missed seeing an entire exhibit of contemporary Native art. Argh! Still, I am so glad for what I did see.
threemeninaboat: (Default)

[personal profile] threemeninaboat 2021-07-20 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
-Navajo is the only type of weaving that can be made in a circle, the rest of us are "stacking squares."

-The scarf I'm currently making has one line of Navajo wool. It's very strong.
cmcmck: (Default)

[personal profile] cmcmck 2021-07-20 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
That really is an attractive space.