All My Relations Arts gallery in south Minneapolis presents a new solo exhibition by a Lakota artist.
Denver-based artist Danielle SeeWalker says her exhibition, Uŋči Said So, was inspired by the uŋči, or grandmothers, and elders in her life, and their way of storytelling.
“We as Native people, we really take it serious when our grandmas say something. That's it,” SeeWalker said.
SeeWalker, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, describes her paintings as having loud explosions of colors, using bright greens, yellows and oranges. Many works feature expressionist portraits of women with a striking feature — a single realistic eye.
“The eye kind of sets the tone, the mood, the vibe of the story — of what the painting is about,” she said.
In one artwork, titled “They Whisper About Her & She Knows,” SeeWalker portrays the experiences of Native women who have experienced lateral violence in their lives.
“Her eye creates sort of a somber-like [feeling] — she's disappointed, maybe sad, frustrated,” said SeeWalker.
Another work, inspired by her own life, shares the experience of raising a child who has mixed heritage. Two figures fill the canvas — a mother with dark hair and a child with lighter hair.
“It's exploring this idea of identity based on how we look, being mixed race,” she said. “It's a special, personal piece.”
For SeeWalker, having her artwork showcased in All My Relations Arts gallery feels special. The gallery is run by the Native American Community Development Institute, which is headquartered in what is known as the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis. The gallery provides a space for both seasoned and upcoming Native artists to share their creations.
She says Native community members often relate to her artwork, which she finds rewarding.
“I have been inspired by and really representing and telling our stories in a way that we don't often hear being told in a public way,” SeeWalker said. “It's art for the people, for our community.”
Uŋči Said So is the first exhibition at the gallery this year. During the immigration enforcement surge, the gallery was used as a donation center for supplies.
Juleana Enright is the gallery and programs manager. They are a member of Lower Brule Lakota Tribe.
Enright says SeeWalker’s storytelling welcomes the community back into the All My Relations Arts gallery.
“It just has a way of really healing something in our soul, really connecting us to our ancestors, and really moving us forward into the future,” Enright said.
SeeWalker sees storytelling as innate and as a tradition to be passed down within Native communities.
“I think a lot of my paintings — people will see it for what it is visually, but when they really dive into what it's about, I think it kind of brings a whole new context to some of these paintings and pieces of artwork,” she said. “That story is probably the most powerful part of it.”
An opening reception will be held at All My Relations Arts gallery on April 10 at 6 p.m. The gallery is located off Franklin Avenue East in south Minneapolis.
SeeWalker’s exhibition will be on display through June 6.
Chandra Colvin covers Native American communities in Minnesota for MPR News via Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities.
