I live in a small apartment fourplex that was built in 1927. Sometimes when my mind wanders, I imagine what has happened within these walls. What kind of people lived here? How many times has someone gotten freaky here? And has anyone ever died?
Then I start to get a little creeped out and I have to stop.
I naturally think this way about old buildings but I forget to ask such questions about the actual land the building sits on. How very Western of me.
The Heard Museum North unveils an art show tomorrow called "Personal Journeys: American Indian Landscapes" in which American Indian artists consider the importance of land.
This endeavor is vastly different from my trivial curiosities about my apartment. This work is inspired by a personal, cultural and spiritual journey that is uniquely non-Western.
It's no secret that American Indians hold different perceptions of land than
people with Western and European traditions. Land, specific natural
sites and landmarks hold cultural and spiritual meaning. The land defines territories, illustrates origin stories and provides a place for ancestors to return.
So, naturally, with the loss of their land comes much grief.
A group of artists that include Nora Naranjo Morse, James Lavadour, Michael Chiago and Kay WalkingStick explores the theme of land and loss with their art. Curator of community museums, Janet Cantley, will discuss the work at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, October 24th) during the public opening of the exhibition.
The Heard Museum North is located at 32633 N. Scottsdale Rd with $5 general admission. Call 480-488-9817 or visit heard.org/north.
