Northern Cheyenne Artist Bently Spang Unveils Performative Art at Zimmerli Art Museum

Northern Cheyenne Artist Bently Spang to Present ‘Tekcno Powwow Jr.²‘ Performance

New Brunswick,New Jersey – Internationally recognized Northern Cheyenne artist Bently Spang is scheduled to deliver a dynamic performance titled Tekcno Powwow Jr.²: To the Second Power on Sunday, October 12. The free public event will take place between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Voorhees Mall at Rutgers University.

Bridging Traditions Through Art

Spang’s innovative work merges the rich heritage of powwow traditions with contemporary cultural expressions such as breakdancing and hip-hop music. This unique fusion explores the interplay between diverse artistic forms, revealing how different cultures and traditions influence one another. The performance is a smaller-scale iteration of his acclaimed Tekcno Powwow series, which originated in 2004.

An Artist Challenging Perceptions

Bently Spang, an enrolled member of the Tsitsistas/Suhtai Nation, is celebrated for his ability to dismantle stereotypes and challenge commonly held, ofen romanticized, narratives about Native peoples and the American West. He employs a versatile range of media – encompassing video, performance, installation art, sculpture, and photography – to articulate contemporary Indigenous identity and to challenge prevailing historical viewpoints. His artwork has been displayed in exhibitions around the globe.

Coinciding With Landmark Exhibition

The Rutgers performance is strategically timed to align with the Zimmerli Art Museum’s expansive exhibition, Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always. This landmark exhibition, curated by the late Jaune Speedy-to-See Smith, showcases the work of 97 contemporary Native American artists representing over 74 Indigenous nations and communities across North America. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, funding for arts organizations increased by 8.4% in 2023, highlighting growing support for indigenous Artists.

Key Exhibition Details

Exhibition Title	Curator	Number of Artists	Represented Nations
Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always	Jaune quick-to-See Smith	97	Over 74

The exhibition emphasizes the critical importance of identity within Indigenous art and reinforces its rightful significance in the mainstream contemporary art world.

A Celebration of Native American cultural Evolution

Spang’s performance and the Zimmerli’s exhibition collectively underscore the vibrancy,complexity,and continuous evolution of Native American cultural expression within the modern art landscape. Both events serve as powerful platforms for showcasing the artistic contributions of Indigenous communities.

for more facts and to RSVP for the performance, please visit zimmerli.rutgers.edu.

Understanding the Importance of Indigenous Art

Indigenous art is not simply a reflection of the past; it is a living,breathing expression of contemporary experiences,resilience,and cultural continuity. Art serves as a vital tool for cultural preservation, storytelling, and social commentary. As Indigenous artists continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, their work fosters dialog, promotes understanding, and enriches the global art landscape.

Did You Know? The market for Native American art has experienced meaningful growth in recent years, with auction houses reporting record sales and increasing interest from collectors worldwide.

Pro Tip: Supporting Indigenous artists directly – whether through purchasing their work, attending their exhibitions, or advocating for their inclusion in art institutions – is a powerful way to contribute to cultural equity and artistic innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indigenous Art & Performance

What are your thoughts on the intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms? How can museums better represent diverse artistic voices?

Share your comments below and join the conversation!

How does Bently Spang’s use of performative art contribute too the revitalization of Northern Cheyenne traditions?

A New Dimension of Indigenous expression

Bently Spang, a prominent artist of Northern Cheyenne and Dakota heritage, recently debuted a compelling exhibition of performative art at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University. The showcase, running through December 2025, marks a significant moment in contemporary Indigenous art, pushing boundaries and inviting audiences to engage with Cheyenne culture in innovative ways.Spang’s work blends customary storytelling with modern artistic techniques, creating a powerful dialog about identity, history, and resilience. This exhibition highlights the growing recognition of Indigenous artists within the broader art world and the importance of supporting diverse artistic voices.

Understanding Bently Spang’s Artistic Practice

Spang’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his Cheyenne upbringing. He draws heavily from oral traditions, beadwork, and the visual language of his ancestors. Though, he doesn’t simply replicate these traditions; he reimagines them, incorporating elements of performance, installation, and digital media.

* Key elements of Spang’s style include:

* Beadwork as Narrative: Utilizing beadwork not just as decoration, but as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

* Performative Elements: Incorporating live performances and interactive installations that require audience participation.

* Digital Integration: Blending traditional art forms with digital technologies, such as video and projection mapping.

* Social Commentary: Addressing contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities, including land rights, cultural appropriation, and historical trauma.

His work frequently enough challenges conventional notions of what constitutes “art,” blurring the lines between object, performance, and experience. He’s known for his vibrant color palettes and intricate designs, reflecting the richness and complexity of Cheyenne culture. The artist’s background in graphic design also informs his aesthetic, lending a contemporary edge to his traditional influences.

The Zimmerli Exhibition: A Deep Dive

The Zimmerli Art Museum exhibition features a curated selection of Spang’s recent works, focusing on his performative installations. These aren’t static displays; they are dynamic experiences designed to immerse the viewer in Cheyenne cosmology and worldview.

Featured Works & Themes

* “Sweetgrass & Steel”: This installation combines the scent of sweetgrass,a sacred plant in many Indigenous cultures,with industrial steel structures. It explores the tension between traditional ways of life and the forces of modernization.

* “Warrior Songs”: A series of performances incorporating traditional Cheyenne songs and dances, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. These performances frequently enough address themes of resistance and resilience.

* “Beadwork Futures”: A display of Spang’s intricate beadwork, alongside digital projections that animate the designs and tell stories about their origins and meanings. This piece exemplifies his innovative approach to traditional craft.

* “Landscapes of memory”: Utilizing projection mapping onto sculptural forms, Spang creates immersive environments that evoke the landscapes of the Northern Cheyenne reservation and the memories associated with them.

The exhibition isn’t simply about showcasing Spang’s artistic talent; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of Cheyenne culture and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities today. The Zimmerli has also organized a series of accompanying events, including artist talks, workshops, and panel discussions, to further engage the public with Spang’s work.

The Importance of Performative Indigenous Art

the rise of performative art within the Indigenous art movement is particularly noteworthy. Historically, Indigenous art forms were frequently enough functional – serving a purpose beyond aesthetics, such as ceremonial objects or utilitarian crafts. Performance art allows Indigenous artists to reclaim and revitalize these traditions, adapting them to contemporary contexts.

* Benefits of Performative Art:

* Cultural Revitalization: Provides a platform for preserving and sharing traditional knowledge and practices.

* Community Engagement: Often involves collaboration with community members, fostering a sense of collective ownership and pride.

* Political Activism: Can be used as a powerful tool for raising awareness about social and political issues.

* Breaking Down Barriers: Challenges conventional art world norms and encourages dialogue between different cultures.

Spang’s work exemplifies this trend, using performance to create a space for healing, reconciliation, and cultural exchange. He’s not just creating art; he’s creating experiences that can transform the way people think about Indigenous history and identity.

Zimmerli Art Museum & Indigenous Art Collections

The Zimmerli Art Museum has been steadily expanding its collection of Indigenous art, recognizing the importance of representing diverse artistic voices. The museum’s holdings include works by a range of Indigenous artists from North America and beyond,spanning various media and styles. This commitment to inclusivity reflects a broader trend within the art world,as museums and galleries increasingly prioritize diversity and representation. The Zimmerli’s dedication to showcasing artists like B