18th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Display Issues in Native American Art
Renee N. Pepmiller
Dr. Julia DeLancey, Dr. Sara Orel, and Dr. Amber Johnson, Faculty Mentors
Museums have the power and the responsibility to inform viewers. Art museums have the unique opportunity to educate viewers not only on art, but also about history and culture. Native American culture is often misrepresented, or misunderstood especially within the setting of an art museum. Native Americans have only had a place in art museums for about the last hundred years. Native American art is completely different and separate from the western canon and notion of ‘high’ art; for these reasons it poses a problem to museums. Native American art requires a unique system of display which will inform the viewer, not only about the specific piece, but also about the culture. Displays should also seek to dispel the notions of ‘primitive’ and ‘lesser’ art. An investigation of contemporary display techniques of traditional Native American material will highlight positive and troublesome trends.
Keywords: Art History, Native American, Museum
Topic(s):Art History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 4-3
Location: OP 2210
Time: 8:45