Savages and Princesses

Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes

September 12 - October 22, 2023*

In the exhibition “Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes,” twelve contemporary Native American visual artists confront misconceptions of Indigenous identity and culture with humor, defiance, and honesty. Artworks include ceramics, prints, and mixed media pieces from found objects such as vinyl records. Oklahoma artist and editor of First American Art Magazine America Meredith initially curated this nationally-touring exhibit.

“Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes” embraces Native Americans’ power to replace stereotypical images that permeate the current pop culture landscape. Recognizing that stereotypes often occur without conscious awareness, the exhibition includes didactic information that explores common stereotypes about Native Americans that are falsehoods, followed by the truths behind them.

The artists represented are: Matthew Bearden (Citizen Potawatomi-Kickapoo-Blackfeet-Lakota) mixed media artist, painter, Tulsa, OK; Heidi BigKnife (Shawnee Tribe), jeweler, Tulsa, OK; Mel Cornshucker (United Keetoowah Band), ceramic artist, Tulsa, OK; Tom Farris (Otoe-Missouria-Cherokee), mixed media artist, Norman, OK; Anita Fields (Osage-Muscogee), ceramic artist, Stillwater, OK; Shan Goshorn (Eastern Band Cherokee), photographer, Tulsa, OK; Juanita Pahdopony (Comanche), sculptor, Lawton, OK; K. H. Poole (Caddo-Delaware), draftsperson, Oklahoma City, OK; Zach Presley (Chickasaw), collage and digital artist, Durant, OK; Hoka Skenandore (Oneida-Oglala Lakota-Luiseño), mixed media artist, Shawnee, OK; Karin Walkingstick (Cherokee Nation), ceramic artist, Claremore, OK; and Micah Wesley (Muscogee-Kiowa), mixed media artist, Norman, OK.

The exhibition was made possible in part by a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Presented originally at Tulsa’s “108|Contemporary” in 2016, this exhibition is organized by “ExhibitsUSA,” a program of the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

About ExhibitsUSA

ExhibitsUSA, a Mid-America Arts Alliance national program, tours this exhibit. ExhibitsUSA annually sends more than twenty-five exhibitions on tour to over 100 small- and mid-sized communities. These exhibitions create access to an array of arts and humanities experiences, nurture the understanding of diverse cultures and art forms, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. For more about ExhibitsUSA, email MoreArt@maaa.org or visit www.eusa.org.

About Mid-America Arts Alliance. 

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. We achieve this primarily through our national traveling exhibition programs, innovative leadership development, and strategic grant-making. We are especially committed to enriching the cultural life of historically underserved communities by providing high-quality, meaningful, and accessible arts and culture programs and services. We believe in more art for more people. Additional information about M-AAA is available at www.maaa.org.

*Opening delayed due to staff illness

Saturday, October 21, 2022, 3-4:30pm

Public Reception