Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, an influential artist from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, passed away at 85 on January 24, 2023. Renowned for her critical reflections on mainstream Americana, Smith's art addressed the systematic violence against Native Americans through diverse mediums. Her recent exhibition at the Whitney Museum, the first retrospective focused on a Native American artist, showcased her thought-provoking map paintings, which challenge the appropriation of symbols like the map of the US. Her work has gained increased recognition, highlighting her decades of advocacy for Native American artists and culture.
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's work powerfully critiqued mainstream Americana and highlighted the systematic killing and stereotyping of Native Americans through various art forms.
Her retrospective at the Whitney and her curated show at the National Gallery of Art signify a long-overdue recognition of Native American artists in contemporary art.
Smith's approach transformed familiar symbols like the American map into poignant commentaries on the legacy of colonialism and the concept of stolen land.
Through her multimedia works, Smith utilized playful yet intense imagery to provoke thought about darker aspects of US history related to Native oppression.
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