Enter Exhibition

Indigenous Brilliance: The Shape of Jewelry features an eclectic gathering of artists whose art and design represent stunning Indigenous art of adornment embedding Indigenous presence and identity. An exclusive showing of wearable art and non-wearable art, that enrich and amplify the many Indigenous stories expressed through the shape of jewelry. 

In Headdress series, Dana Claxton has photographed five womxn embellished in their personal collection of wearable art, from beadwork that spans generations, to hip-hop baseball caps, large-ornate medallions, and peyote fans. The womxn become beaded and exaggerated silhouettes, representing the carriers of knowledge and culture.  

Amplified necklaces and earrings enhance Rose B. Simpson’s clay and mixed media figures, becoming shields of protection and symbols of power. Strong warrior women in Helen Oro’s life inspire her creation of extravagant statements pieces. Oro’ collections are often created with upcycled and repurposed materials, transforming discarded mediums into prolific fashion statements.  

The fur of marine mammals and the skins of fish are the foundation to Peter Williams work. His collections acknowledge reciprocity between human, plant, animal and spiritual worlds, and to the intimate relationships between these entities. Similarly, Keri Ataumbi addresses the relationship between object and the body by incorporating traditional Kiowa imagery to create conceptual narratives into her jewelry.  

Story and culture are infused with all artists in this online exhibition. Blackburn utilizes both historical and non-historical materials to create ‘storiers’ that both honor and challenge perspectives of contemporary Indigenous experiences. Through jewelry, Maka Monture Paka communicates her Tlingit cultural perspectives that could otherwise seem intangible. Angel and Alex of Indi City incorporate wearable technology into traditional regalia, designing fashion accessories that reflect the current Indigenization of Turtle Island.  

 Collectively, the works in this show are much more than simply jewelry or art. Indigenous Brilliance celebrates diversity of Indigenous expression, presence and power through the shape of jewelry.