Contemporary Artists Respond to Curtis

The following artists were all included in the Tang Museum's exhibit, Staging the Indian, which paired Edward S. Curtis's photographs of North American Indians with artworks by contemporary Native American artists.

You and your partner will focus on one artist as you consider the following questions. How does the image respond to Curtis's images of the Vanishing Race? Support your assertion with visual details and choose one image by Curtis to compare your work to. How does the artist characterize his/her response to Curtis in his/her written statement? According to the artist, what defines Native American identity? I will ask you to report your findings to the class, and turn in your joint reflections to me on Friday.

Click here to access today's readings with the artists' statements

James Luna Petroglyphs in Motion, 2001
Marcus Amerman Day at the Beach, 2002
Marcus Amerman A Moment in Time, 2002
Judith Lowery Road Kill Warrior, 2001

Edward S. Curtis
	Bull Bear, Blackfoot 1926
	Grinding Meal, 1907
	Oglala War Party, 1907
	Blanket Weaver, Navajo, 1904
	In a Piegan Lodge, 1910