Unidentified artist, Defend the Land Struggle, 1970s-1980s, lithograph on paper, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Diane Palley.
Unidentified artist, Stop the Rape of Mt. Taylor, 1979, lithograph on paper, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Diane Palley.
Virtual Exhibit Showcases a Tradition of Activism in New Mexico THE PHRASE “SEVEN GENERATIONS” MAY not mean what
assistance from Rebecca Prinster, assistant curator of history. His
you think it does.
educational background in history and his long involvement in
The concept of seven generations is often misconstrued as be-
activism made him a key voice to tell the story.
ing about seven generations in the future.
The exhibition includes a section
Instead, “seven generations” refers to the
on art as activism. One featured artist,
three generations that came before, the
Jared Yazzie (Diné), designs streetwear
three generations that will come next, and
that incorporates Navajo designs under
the present generation. For many Native
his brand OXDX. He recently created
American communities, this idea is a way
a poster in response to the COVID-19
to conceptualize change and a way to live
emergency on the Navajo Nation. The
in right relation with all living beings.
image serves as a reminder to stay safe,
This fall, the Albuquerque Museum will
wear a face mask, and look forward to a
launch Seven Generations of Red Power in
better future.
New Mexico. The virtual exhibition will tell
Art has often been used to react to
the long story of Indigenous resistance in
historical upheavals and stand up to injus-
this region and reflect on how the activism
tice. Likewise, standing up to injustice has
of today is part of that long, unbroken
consistently been a way to be a good rel-
legacy.
ative—to the three generations that came
Nick Estes, a citizen of the Lower Brule
before and the three that will come next.
Sioux Tribe, and University of New Mexico assistant professor in American Studies, is guest curating the exhibition, with
Seven Generations seeks to illuminate Jared Yazzie, Better Future, 2020, digital print, courtesy of the artist.
that history of resistance and its ongoing legacy in New Mexico. AlbuquerqueMuseumFoundation.org
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