In a meaningful collaboration between the Portland Art Museum, SITE Santa Fe, and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, a remarkable artist stepped into the spotlight as the ambassador for the United States at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia: Jeffrey Gibson.
Renowned for his multifaceted artistic practice, Gibson synthesizes American, Indigenous, and Queer narratives with influences from music and pop culture, crafting a dynamic visual lexicon that mirrors the inherent diversity and hybridity of American society. Through a vibrant interplay of colour, intricate patterns, and text, Gibson catalyzes profound contemplation on identity, fosters empathy, and advocates for the expansion of democracy and freedom for all. From April 20 to November 24, 2024, international audiences will be able to immerse themselves in Gibson’s oeuvre outside of the U.S. with “Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me”.
Within the U.S. Pavilion, Gibson will animate both the interior and exterior spaces with a compelling array of new and recent works, inviting introspection on both individual and collective identities. Spanning sculpture, paintings, multimedia pieces, and a site-specific installation activating the pavilion’s courtyard; the exhibition promises a multifaceted exploration of human experience. The showcase title, “Jeffrey Gibson: The Space in Which to Place Me”, draws inspiration from Oglala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier’s poem Ȟe Sápa, infusing the exhibition with layers of meaning and cultural resonance.
As Gibson’s artistic vision unfolds within the historical context of La Biennale di Venezia, it offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of contemporary existence while championing inclusivity and social equity. By transcending borders and bridging cultures, Gibson’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of art to foster dialogue, empathy, and understanding on a global scale.
Portland Art Museum: A Cultural Gem in the Pacific Northwest
The Portland Art Museum (PAM) is a pillar of artistic expression in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1892, it boasts a prestigious reputation for its expansive permanent collection and captivating temporary exhibitions. As one of the oldest museums in the nation, PAM has garnered international recognition for its unwavering dedication to showcasing the rich tapestry of Native American art. Beyond that, the museum houses renowned collections encompassing Asian and graphic arts, offering a diverse artistic experience. PAM extends its commitment to artistic exploration through PAM CUT( Center for an Untold Tomorrow). This innovative program pushes the boundaries of cinema, recognizing it as a powerful art form. At its core, the museum strives to foster a welcoming environment where artists can thrive, and audiences can engage with art meaningfully. This dedication to inclusivity extends to promoting open dialogue and the exchange of ideas within its stunning architectural campus.
The museum serves as a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district, and its commitment to artistic excellence continues to grow.
SITE Santa Fe: Where Artistic Innovation Meets Community
Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, SITE Santa Fe (SITE) pulsates with contemporary artistic energy. Founded in 1995 with a groundbreaking mission – establishing the first international contemporary art biennial in the US – SITE has evolved into a vibrant platform for artistic exploration and community engagement. More than just an exhibition space, SITE is a non-collecting institution dedicated to fostering the creation and appreciation of contemporary art. It champions artistic innovation, providing a springboard for emerging talents and established artists. Over its illustrious history, SITE has presented eleven international biennials, showcasing over 100 contemporary art exhibitions. Hundreds of local and international artists have graced its halls, enriching audiences with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking creative expression. But SITE’s impact extends far beyond the walls of its galleries. The organization is deeply rooted in the Santa Fe community, offering many public and educational programs. From insightful conversations with artists and curators to captivating performances, film screenings, and lively concerts, SITE provides a platform for artistic discourse and appreciation. Interactive workshops ignite artistic curiosity, while collaborations with local schools and community organizations ensure art’s accessibility for all. SITE Santa Fe stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. By fostering artistic exploration, nurturing dialogue, and fostering a vibrant artistic hub, SITE enriches not just the cultural landscape of Santa Fe but the artistic landscape as a whole.
Jeffrey Gibson’s journey into a narrative
Born in 1972, Jeffrey Gibson emerged as a beacon of creativity and cultural fusion in interdisciplinary art. Hailing from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and tracing his roots to Cherokee descent, Gibson’s upbringing was as diverse as his artistic vision. From bustling urban centres in the United States to overseas adventures in Germany and Korea, his childhood was a tapestry of cultures and experiences that would later inform his work.
Gibson’s artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1995. Fuelled by a passion for exploration, he continued his quest for knowledge, earning a Master of Arts in painting from the Royal College of Art in London in 1998. Along the way, accolades followed, with honorary doctorates bestowed upon him by Claremont Graduate University in 2016 and the Institute of American Indian Arts in 2023.
Currently, Gibson finds himself immersed in the vibrant community of Bard College as an artist-in-residence, where his boundless creativity continues to flourish. But his solo exhibitions genuinely showcase the depth and breadth of his artistic prowess. From London’s Stephen Friedman Gallery to New York’s Sikkema Jenkins & Co., Gibson’s exhibitions captivate audiences with titles like “DREAMING OF How It’s MEANT TO BE” and “ANCESTRAL Superbloom,” inviting viewers into worlds where imagination knows no bounds.
Yet, Gibson’s intimate exploration of identity and culture truly captured hearts and minds. Exhibitions like “INFINITE INDIGENOUS QUEER LOVE” at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum and “Like A Hammer” at the Denver Art Museum delved into the complexities of Indigenous experience with a raw honesty that resonated deeply.
Alongside his artistic endeavours, Gibson was honoured with prestigious awards such as the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors Grant in 2012 and the esteemed John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Award in 2019. However, perhaps his most impactful contribution came from the landmark volume “An Indigenous Present” in 2023, which celebrated diverse Indigenous perspectives and practices. As Gibson’s art finds its home in collections across renowned institutions like the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, his legacy as a trailblazer in contemporary art is cemented. Through his work, Gibson inspires and challenges audiences to embrace the beauty of diversity and the power of artistic expression.
This year, echoes of Nina Simone’s powerful anthem, “Feeling Good,” wafted through the prestigious Venice Biennale. It wasn’t the soulful song itself, but its opening line that adorned one of the many murals by artist Jeffrey Gibson. These murals weren’t your typical Biennale fare. They were a vibrant celebration, a declaration echoing the spirit of “Feeling Good.”
Gibson’s show in the U.S. Pavilion wasn’t just painting on walls. He was composing a story of resilience. His murals, titled “Birds flying high, you know how I feel…,” resonated with the struggles for freedom – the struggles embodied in Simone’s song, the struggles for Indigenous autonomy across the Americas. They were a testament to the enduring spirit, the soaring defiance, and the joy that persists despite hardship. These weren’t mere decorations but a powerful voice claiming its rightful place on the world stage.
Jain Syriac Babu is a Kerala-born, Italy-based theatre artist and art enthusiast.
