Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Prepares to Launch “Knowing the West” Exhibition
“Knowing the West,” an immersive traveling exhibition, is set to open at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, on September 14, 2024. This groundbreaking show delves into the rich cultural tapestry of the American West, challenging conventional binary narratives and instead celebrating the diverse voices and artistic expressions that shaped the region.
The exhibition will feature over 120 artworks from the period of 1785 to 1922, including textiles, paintings, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, and prints, all curated by Mindy Besaw and Jami Powell. These diverse works not only highlight the artistic contributions of Native American and non-Native artists but also reflect the broader social narratives and cultural influences that defined the American West at that time.
One of the exhibition’s primary goals is to move beyond the popularized, oversimplified depictions of the American West, often portrayed as a binary struggle between cowboys and Native Americans. Instead, “Knowing the West” presents a multifaceted picture, showcasing the importance of women’s roles in traditional Native American art forms and the significant cultural exchange between different communities.
A significant aspect of the exhibition is its focus on the objects themselves, carefully selected to provide a nuanced understanding of the region. These selections include a basket by Elizabeth Conrad Hickox, on loan from the Hood Museum, which adds complexity to the typical landscape paintings of Yosemite, and Nellie Two Bear Gates’s beadwork, which captures the resilience of Dakota life amid significant cultural challenges.
Following its run at Crystal Bridges from September 14, 2024, to January 27, 2025, the exhibition will travel to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, and the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina. Accompanying the exhibition will be a fully illustrated book published by Rizzoli Electa, set for release on September 10, 2024.
Admission to the exhibition will be for adults, and more details can be found on the Crystal Bridges Museum’s website. With its promise to redefine our understanding of the American West and its diverse cultural heritage, “Knowing the West” is poised to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning addition to the museum’s offerings.
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