DIA unveils first regional Native American art showcase in decades

The Detroit Institute of Arts has opened a landmark exhibition of regional Native American art, its first in decades. “Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation” brings together more than 90 works by over 60 Anishinaabe artists from Michigan and across the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.

Developed in collaboration with an advisory committee of Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi artists, the show was curated by Dr. Denene De Quintal, the museum’s associate curator of Native American art. DIA director Salvador Salort-Pons said the committee’s insight shaped everything from the selection of artworks and exhibition themes to ideas for public programming.

He said their collaboration helped create “the most accurate depiction of contemporary Anishinaabe art.” The exhibition presents a wide range of media, including basketry, beadwork, birchbark work, clothing, film, graphic art, jewelry, painting, pottery, sculpture and woodwork.

It seeks to challenge long-held stereotypes about what Native American art is—and what it can be—by foregrounding living artists and contemporary expression. It also serves as a tribute to the Anishinaabe people—specifically the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa) and Potawatomi (Pottawatomi) nations of the Council of Three Fires—who originally populated the land where Detroit sits.

Minnesota Ojibwe artist Kent Estey, whose painting “Debwewin” (Ojibwe for “truth”) is included, described encountering the exhibition as “too emotional.” “The tears were coming,” he said. “This is the most beautiful exhibit, not just because I have a piece here.

It’s just done so well and represents us.” Estey said Anishinaabe artists are often “put in a box” and urged audiences to recognize that Indigenous artists apply traditional skills while living and working today. “We’re here today, and we’re doing beautiful work,” he said, adding that some artists in the show are appearing in a setting like this for the first time.

“This is my first major, national gallery.” Artist Jonathan Thunder, whose large and whimsical painting “Basil’s Dream” hangs in the exhibition, also served on the advisory committee. The work pays tribute to Anishinaabe and Canadian writer and historian Basil H.

Johnston. Thunder said he grew up in the Twin Cities and first delved into Anishinaabe culture through reading, with Johnston serving as one of his early guides. By centering voices from Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi communities and spanning traditional and contemporary forms, the exhibition aims to honor ancestors while emphasizing that Indigenous art is ongoing and evolving.

Museum leaders said the collaborative process that shaped the show will also inform related public programs.