PROTECTION: Adaptation and Resistance at Tulsa Living Arts
Nationally touring exhibition, Protection: Adaptation and Resistance opens at Tulsa Living Arts in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday Sept 1st, 5-8pm. The exhibit will be presented from September 1 – October 13. Participating artists, Joel Isaak and Melissa Shaginoff will attend and provide workshops and an exhibit tour.
In times of climate crisis, pandemic, and ongoing assaults to human rights, how are Indigenous Alaska artists today strengthening self and community, and guiding the next generation from surviving to thriving? Protection: Adaptation and Resistance centers Indigenous ways of knowing. Working within intergenerational learning groups and as collaborators in vibrant community networks, Alaska’s Indigenous artists are invigorating traditional stories in customary arts and proposing resilient futures through design, tattoo, regalia and graphic arts. Artist projects elevate collaboration, allyship, and community as tools of resistance, adaptation, and cultural affirmation. The exhibition explores three themes: Land and Culture Protectors, Activists for Justice and Sovereignty and Resilient Futures.
“Our lifeways, material culture, and protocols serve as armor to resist efforts to exterminate us. They are rooted in the power to unite and create space for all people. When we break down the efforts of those who work to silo, segregate, and discriminate there is space for all people and all living things.” – Joel Isaak (Dena’ina, Kenai)
Artists:
Kaxhatjaa X’óow / Herring Protectors robes: K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Káakaxaawulga Jennifer Younger with Carol Hughey and many volunteers
Lingit hats: Ku agoo Linda Starbard, Tanux Gordon James Junior, Rachel Langford Guultlagaay Donna Rae James, Gúut dláayas Devin Hannon
Chilkat Protector Masks: Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope, Sydney Akagi, Davina Drones, Michelle Demmert, Mary Kate Dennis, Shgendootan George, Gabriella George, Shaadootlaa Iyall Hanlon, Ursula Hudson, Donedin Jackson, Melina Meyer, Rae Ann Mills, Debra O’Gara, Laine Rinehart, Jodi Watts
Ghelch’ehi, Dena’ina birchbark baskets: Joel Isaak and Helen McLean
Chickaloonies graphic novel: Dimi Macheras with Casey Silver
Healing Stitches Atikluk installation: Bobby Qalutaksraq Brower, Melissa Ahnoorik Ingersoll, Cassandra Tikasuk Johnson, Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer, Beverly Tuck
Traditional Tattoo Photographs: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Alice Qannik Glenn, Aviññaq/Danyal Harvey, Bailey Shaeffer, Cynthia Ivan, Kimberlyn Erin Smith, Kunayaq Qaumaluq Hank, Princes Daazharaii Johnson, Talivaaq Qinugana/Jerilynn Wellert
Qulliq seal oil lamps: Kunaq Marjorie Tahbone, Agasuuq Hanna Sholl, Aqugaq Elli Tansy, Britt’Nee Kivliqtaruq Brower, Jackie Qatalina Schaeffer
Tupik Mi, Digital video: Holly Mititquq Nordlum with Michael Conti
How to be a Good Guest: Melissa Shaginoff
Memorial Qaspeq: Amber Webb
We’re Still Here: Naal xak’w/Tommy Joseph
Digital Illustrations: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Crystal Rose Demientieff Worl, Rico Lanaat’ Worl
Exhibition sponsors: National Endowment for the Arts, Alaska Humanities Forum, Alaska Community Foundation, The CIRI Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation.
Tour Calendar
Homer, AK – The Pratt Museum, June 11 – September 24, 2022
Anchorage, AK – The Anchorage Museum, October 21 – March 31, 2023
Portland, OR – Native Arts and Culture Foundation, May 19th – August 5th, 2023
Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Living Arts, September 1 – October 13, 2023
Santa Fe, NM -Museum of International Folk Art – Fall 2023
Juneau, AK – Alaska State Museum, Summer 2024
Bunnell Street Arts Center’s mission is to spark artistic inquiry, innovation and equity to strengthen the physical, social and economic fabric of Alaska.
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