Native Art Reclaims History in UK Exhibition

"Hold to This Earth," the most extensive display of contemporary Native North American art in Britain, is currently on view. Sourced from Santa Fe's Tia Collection, the exhibition features artists from more than 35 tribal nations.

This collection serves as a vital counterpoint to the United States' commemoration of its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The artworks delve into the continent's millennia-old beliefs and traditions, confronting the often-ignored exploitation of its original peoples.

Many participating artists directly address urgent present-day concerns. Examples include sculptures using salvaged materials from pipeline protests and ceramic vessels blending ancient aesthetics with sci-fi themes. The exhibition emphasizes a profound connection to the natural world, with pieces crafted from raw clay, mud, and natural dyes.

"Hold to This Earth" transcends geographical boundaries, showcasing how artists fuse disparate materials and traditions. Commissions utilize local resources from both Britain and North America, highlighting interwoven histories and the concept of shared custodianship of the planet.

Works like Jeffrey Gibson's "To My Nation" blend pop culture with Indigenous heritage, while Zoë Urness's photography centers on the crisis of violence against Indigenous women. Nicholas Galanin's "Ancestral Map of Return" uses Indigenous star knowledge to plot ancestral repatriation routes.

The exhibition, running until April 18, features artists like Rose B. Simpson, whose "Tonantzin" sculpture underscores matrilineal knowledge and ceramic craft, echoing her mother Roxanne Swentzell's artistic legacy.