Indian Pueblo Cultural Center announces "Pivot" exhibit
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is hosting an opening reception Feb. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Gallery for a new exhibit from co-curators Landis Bahe (Diné/Navajo) and Kandis Quam (Zuni).
PIVOT is a compelling, inspiring exhibit that features artwork using skateboard decks and acrylics as the medium. It will be on display through Feb. 19, 2023. “PIVOT is about Native Americans integrating into a world and society that is not of our origin,” said Bahe. “It shows that we’re here – adapting and evolving.
"There are about 30 artists who have passed images known for generations onto something that is recognizable in society, which are skateboard decks.”
Bahe said he hopes that by using this medium, young people will feel drawn into the conversation. “Pivoting is a remarkable feat, but growing up that way, a lot of our youth turn away from their culture,” he said. “When that happens, then you see trauma and addiction. What we’ve done is create an opportunity for the youth to see something that demonstrates the navigation of living in someone else’s world.”
“People are very opinionated about Native art and where it’s going,” Quam said. “This exhibit opens the mind up to possibilities of what artists can do. This is a beautiful balance between the traditional and the contemporary – this depicts this is the world we live in, and it feels best to me to meld the two together.
"I’m very excited to get to see everyone’s reaction,” she added.
“It is truly an honor to have PIVOT on display at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,” said IPCC Head Curator Paula Mirabal. “I first saw it at the Northern Arizona Museum and it was so amazing that I knew that I had to eventually bring it to Albuquerque. I’m so excited to be working with these artists – the skateboard decks are beautiful; the artists have terrific stories behind them that speak to the agility that they use to navigate through the maze of days between cultures. Additionally, there are many Native communities are represented in this show.”
The reception is free for IPCC Insider members and with paid admission; details and tickets at: bit.ly/IPCC-PIVOT.
About the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Founded in 1976 by the 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center located in the historic 19 Pueblos District. The IPCC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture, and to advance understanding by presenting with dignity and respect the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. Visitors can learn fascinating history, shop for Native jewelry and art, watch a cultural dance, hear Native languages, and experience the flavors of traditional and contemporary Native cuisine. To learn more, please visit: www.indianpueblo.org, or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @IndianPueblo
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center announces "Pivot" exhibit
