Laughter and Resilience: Humor in Native American Art
Exhibition Dates
Among many Native American tribes, humor has and continues to play a vital role. Clowns, Koshare, and Heyoka not only provide comedic performances during ceremonials; these contrarians serve an important cultural function by pointing out behavior that falls outside of community standards. Many Indigenous stories feature a trickster who often finds himself in situations related to folly, humor, and mortality. Following in the footsteps of these cultural icons, Native American artists featured in this exhibition used humor, parody, and satire to not only make the viewer laugh, but also combat stereotypes, comment on tribal politics, and critique the National scene. The imagery can poke fun at both non-natives and Native Americans, and these visual representations can be found across a wide range of artistic media including pottery, beadwork, painting, and photography.
“The comedic genres employed include satire, parody, and even whimsy. In many of the works, the viewer will see the humor on the surface, but when the audience fully engages with these images, they will see the deep layers of meaning that express the healing that derives from laughter.”
—Denise Neil, Ph.D. (Cherokee/Delaware)
Related Links:
Pasatiempo (11/1/2019): Challenging expectations: “Laughter and Resilience” explores humor in Native art
by Jennifer Levin
Laughter and Resilience: Humor in Native American Art
Santa Fe Reporter (11/20/2019): It is to Laugh
by Alex De Vore
Listen to the Wheelwright chief curator and publications manager discuss the current exhibit: Wheelwright Museum Takes on the Fine Art of Comedy on KSFR 101.1FM (Santa Fe Public Radio)
About the Artist
Sheila Antonio Open Close
Navajo
Born
Unknown
Attributed to Mamie Deschillie Open Close
Navajo
Born
1920 - 2010
Shirley Benn Open Close
Hopi/Tewa
Born
1936
Virgil Benn Open Close
Zuni Pueblo
Born
1935
David Bradley Open Close
Chippewa
Born
1954
Heidi Brandow Open Close
Diné/Kanaka Maoli
Born
1981
Chad Browneagle Open Close
Soshone Bannock/Spokane
Born
1991
Delbert Buck Open Close
Navajo
Born
1976
Ricardo Cate Open Close
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Born
1964
Vincent Craig Open Close
Navajo
Born
1951 - 2010
Valerie Comosona Open Close
Zuni Pueblo
Born
1968
Frederick Cruz Open Close
Tohono O’odham
Born
1961
Tom Farris Open Close
Otoe-Missouria/Cherokee
Born
1978
Harry Fonseca Open Close
Nisenan/Maidu/Native Hawaiian
Born
1946 - 2006
Jason Garcia Open Close
Santa Clara Pueblo
Born
1973
Kenny Glass Open Close
Wyandotte/Cherokee
Born
1988
Bob Haozous Open Close
Chiricahua Apache
Born
1943
Benjamin Harjo, Jr. Open Close
Absentee Shawnee/Seminole
Born
1945
Phil Hughte Open Close
Zuni Pueblo
Born
1954 - 1997
Frank Buffalo Hyde Open Close
Onondaga/Nez Perce
Born
1974
Chaz John Open Close
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska/Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Born
1987
Darrell Jumbo Open Close
Navajo
Born
1960
Judith Lowry Open Close
Maidu/Pit River
Born
1948
Gerald McMaster Open Close
Plains Cree
Born
1953
America Meredith Open Close
Cherokee Nation
Born
1972
Sierra Teller Ornelas Open Close
Navajo
Born
1981
Juanita Inez Ortiz Open Close
Cochiti Pueblo
Born
1960 - 2008
Diego Romero Open Close
Cochiti Pueblo
Born
1964
Cara Romero Open Close
Chemehuevi
Born
1977
Sadie Ross Open Close
Navajo
Born
1937
Ryan Singer Open Close
Navajo
Born
1973
Dorothy Trujillo Open Close
Cochiti Pueblo
Born
1932 - 1999
Dwayne "Chuck" Wilcox Open Close
Oglala Lakota
Born
1957
Ken Williams Open Close
Arapaho/Seneca
Born
1983
Steven J. Yazzie Open Close
Navajo/Laguna Pueblo
Born
1970
Previously On View
January 11, 1987 – February 21, 1987
Women of Sweetgrass, Cedar, and Sage: Contemporary Art by Native American Women
The Native American Arts and Service Organization sponsored traveling exhibit, Women of Sweetgrass, Cedar, and Sage-Contemporary Art by Native American Women.
The exhibition focused on Hopi weaver, Ramona Sakiestewa’s work and included traditional, contemporary, and commissioned pieces.
Admission: $10.00
Free for Museum Members, Native Americans, children under 12, students with a valid ID, veterans and active military.
Phone
(505) 982-4636
|
(800) 607-4636
Hours
Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Mondays & Sundays, July 4, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
