MoCNA 2023–2024 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures
Still from BIG, SMALL, SCARED, AT EASE, by Ethan Nopah (Navajo Nation)
2023–2024 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures will be on view from March 1 through June 9, 2024, in the North Gallery at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) at 108 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. The closing reception will take place on May 10 from 5–7 pm.
The 2023–2024 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures, highlights the remarkable creativity of IAIA’s BFA seniors in Studio Arts, Cinematic Arts, and Creative Writing. Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures aims to show how these graduating students honor the future as much as the past. As ambassadors, these up-and-coming graduating students carry the legacies of their cultures; as individuals, they offer unique insights; and as teammates, they reflect a collective dream for a brighter tomorrow. Although the community at IAIA is comprised of students from diverse backgrounds, the students’ voices culminate in a compelling message: “The world needs more of what we got to offer.”
Each student at IAIA has a unique vision, based on their personal history, cultural background, and worldview. However, despite these differences among individuals, there exist values that unite IAIA students as a community: embracing Indigenous self-representation, combating settler mentality, and making a difference in the world through sharing Indigenous perspectives by means of a contemporary visual language. By acknowledging their pasts, the featured artists in Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures extend their cultural backgrounds to their conceptions of the future. This exhibition invites visitors to contemplate to what shapes them, and question how their values shape their worldview.
This exhibition is curated by Museum Studies student Zoe Childs and installed with the help of student preparators Sally Mittler and Charlize Pourier (Oglala Lakota), who worked closely together with MoCNA Curatorial Assistant Erika Knecht to gain practical experience in the field.
Participating Artists
- Jesus Miguel Avena (Mexican-American, Mexica, Mestizo, Chicano)
- Sara Chama (Pueblo of Laguna)
- Brandon Martinez (Jicarilla Apache)
- Ethan Nopah (Navajo Nation)
- Simona Rael (Latina, Mexican-American)
- Brian Taaffe (Taos Pueblo)
- Carl H. Tuzroyluke (Tlingit, Nisga’a, and Inupiat)
For more information, contact Erika Knecht at eknecht@iaia.edu and (505) 428-5927.
Current and Upcoming MoCNA Exhibitions
A listing of current and upcoming exhibitions at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).
List of Events
The Stories We Carry
The Stories We Carry features contemporary jewelry created by more than 100 Indigenous artists across decades stewarded by the MoCNA permanent collection.
Our Stories
Our Stories is a companion to The Stories We Carry exhibition, located adjacent to the Kieve Family Gallery.
Inuk Silis Høegh: Arctic Vertigo
Inuk Silis Høegh: Arctic Vertigo analyzes the Inuit artist’s experimental and interdisciplinary art practices, while challenging stereotypes and addressing environmental issues.
Womb of the Earth: Cosmovision of the Rainforest
Womb of the Earth: Cosmovision of the Rainforest gives Brazilian Indigenous female artists an opportunity to share their art with a wider audience and to voice their concern about challenges their communities face.
2023–2024 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures
Indigenous Presence, Indigenous Futures aims to show how IAIA’s BFA seniors honor the future as much as the past.