"I Am Alive, a Breath, a Trail" an exhibition at the Sasse Museum of Art by Indigenous artist Brittany Kiertzner, delves into the profound exploration of the artist's quest to forge connections within the realms of loss and insecurity. It unravels the intrinsic vulnerability encapsulated within the dichotomy of life and death, particularly focusing on the subsequent generations of Indigenous women. The narrative navigates through the artist's endeavor to embody the inevitable social pressures that catalyze disintegration and impermanence.
Curated by Ahmad Shariff
Click Here:
In this body of work, the color red emerges as a potent symbol, signifying the prevailing silence and indifference that shrouds Indigenous women. A significant number of these women find themselves ensnared in the shadows, either missing or succumbing to violence. Kiertzner looks to these boundaries, by manifesting abstract figurative depictions within her sculptural works. These bodies serve as both a commemoration of those who have been lost, capturing the essence of their absence, while also portraying the resilience of those who persist, navigating the tumultuous currents of dysphoric conditions.
The artist's engagement with the theme goes beyond mere aesthetic representation, delving into the socio-cultural narrative that envelopes Indigenous women. Her woven panels are a discourse on the interconnectedness of our lives and the urgent need for acknowledgment and redressal. Through symbols of circles/ portals/ faces, Kiertzner offers symbolic commentary on the endurance of those who survive amidst adversity, reflecting the strength and tenacity required to persist in the face of systemic challenges.
The work not only embodies the physicality of the lost but also serve as a collective voice, echoing the stories of Indigenous women who have been subjected to societal negligence. In the intricate interplay of form and color, Kiertzner captures the emotional landscapes, through a fiber medium. Making connections through the intermingling of color and form. Kiertzner manages to bridge the gap between the personal and the collective with the social landscape. She invites the audience to reflect on the broader implications of systemic negligence.
The exhibition runs March 27th- April 29, 2024 at the Sasse Museum of Art. 300 A-South Thomas Street Basement Level, Pomona CA 91766
Comments