Singing the Praise

A new exhibition at Chicago’s Field Museum presents works by contemporary artists who were inspired by the museum’s historic collection.

- Meranda Roberts

CHICAGO, IL

In early 2019 I was asked to be the co-curator of Apsáalooke Women and Warriors by Apsáalooke scholar Nina Sanders. At this point I had only been at the Field Museum for about nine months as a postdoctoral researcher for the renovation and reimaging of the museum’s Native American Hall. I was assigned the curatorial duty of contemporary art curator, a completely new territory for me, considering my background in history and anthropology. Though I was a fan and follower of many wonderfully talented artists on social media I was a tad concerned that I could do the job justice. However, after I expressed my worry to Sanders, she simply replied, “You got this.”

Together we created a roster of artists that embodied the Apsáalooke spirit of art and creativity, ultimately reaching out to Bethany Yellowtail, Birdie Real Bird, Della Bighair Stump, Elias Not Afraid, Kevin Red Star, Ben Pease, Del Curfman, Allen Knows His Gun, Adam Sings in the Timber, and Mona Medicine Crow.

However, one important aspect of Apsáalooke culture to know is that no one sings their own praises. To do so could bring harm to you and your family. This explains why one of the greatest honors an Apsáalooke person can receive is through the celebration of their accomplishments by someone in their community. Keeping this concept in mind, we selected male artists, who were not only raised by independent, strong and dynamic women, but who have chosen to honor their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and cousins through their artwork. This theme ultimately became the structure of the exhibition.