Public Art Representations of Native American & Cambodian

In a contemporary context, public monuments such as Ivan Mestrovic’s The Bowman and The Spearman (1928), which depict “Native Americans” but were created by a non-Native artist and without a first-voice perspective, are viewed by some as inaccurate representations of Native American people.

As part of Chicago Cultural Alliance’s Culture at the Intersection series, American Indian Center and National Cambodian Heritage Museum collaborate to present a conversation about cultural appropriation and the importance of self-representation in public art. Join community based-artists as they discuss specific public art pieces across Chicago, how appropriation and authentic art differ in the public sphere, and why it is important to craft and control the narrative. The program includes a panel discussion at the American Indian Center followed by an optional tour of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum.

Art Design Chicago is a spirited celebration of the unique and vital role Chicago plays as America’s crossroads of creativity and commerce. Led by the Terra Foundation for American Art, this citywide partnership of cultural organizations explores Chicago’s art and design legacy with more than 25 exhibitions and hundreds of events throughout 2018. Learn more at www.artdesignchicago.org.

In the spirit of the citywide initiative, Chicago Cultural Alliance presents a program series that examines the art and design contributions of immigrant communities in five gateway neighborhoods: Albany Park, Bronzeville, Chinatown, Humboldt Park, and Greektown. Rooted in cultural heritage and local neighborhoods, each event offers art and design perspectives that highlight often-overlooked and ever-changing creative culture in the neighborhoods.

THIS IS A FREE PROGRAM