City’s Indigenous Public Art Collection is Focus of New Exhibition

A new exhibition featuring 23 legendary Indigenous artists will open at City Hall’s Gallery One on Thursday, October 10 with a soft opening from 3 to 5 p.m. NA(RRA)TIVE is the first exhibit that examines the city’s Indigenous public art collection and challenges it from a moral and artistic perspective. Both the opening and exhibition are open and free to the public.

Every collection tells a story. But what if that story says more about the collector than the subject? Is the collection seen from a skewed lens? Do we subconsciously look at Native Arts as a romantic stereotype of bare-chested braves on horseback? Or has the collection attempted over time to include an authentic voice?

The Public Art Urban Enhancement Division takes an introspective look at 45 years of public art in Albuquerque to see how far we’ve moved from the “settler’s gaze,” if at all, to better understand the historic and cultural impact these works have on the New Mexico Arts experience.

“This insightful show gives us an opportunity to dive deeper into learning about and appreciating the important work of Indigenous artists,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re uniquely fortunate in this city to have a vast and diverse collection of public art for all to enjoy, and a dedicated program that consistently expands our horizons.”

Artists include: Jaune Quick-to-See Smith; Lonnie Vigil; Caroline Carpio; Kathleen Wall; Lorraine Gala Lewis; Marilyn Ray; Del Curfman; Roderick Kaskalla; Dinah & Peter Gasper; Cippy CrazyHorse; Phil Hughte; C. Maurus Chino; Mateo Romero; Roderick Tenorio; Deborah Jojola; Neal Ambrose Smith; George Rivera; Jonathan Warm Day; Nora Naranjo Morse; and Daniel Walters.

A special artist celebration will be held on November 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. NA(RRA)TIVE will be on view through December 6. Gallery One hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW.