The combined power of creative expression and public affairs is examined at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman with Misunderstood: Indigenous Art and Poetry as Political Resistance, running through the end of the year.
The exhibition features works from eras ranging from 1894 to today.
“Native artists and writers have grappled with the same misperceptions of their communities for more than 100 years,” communications director Kaylee Kain says. “These texts and images draw attention to neglected and curated histories about Native peoples in order to secure a better future. Themes explored include ‘Stereotype Threat,’ ‘Undoing History,’ ‘Proud to Be an American’ and ‘Love/d.’”
Together, Native voices in this exhibition deliver a clear message, Kain says: “Please don’t let us be misunderstood.”
An immersion experience is offered Nov. 16 with a poetry reading in the exhibition space. It “is intended to give audiences a chance to interact with the poetry and art of Misunderstood in a new and … intimate way,” Kain says. “Several poems will be read … by different individuals, all from Oklahoma, who have a personal connection to the material in this exhibit. The reading will [feature] poets all tired of being misunderstood.”
The museum is on the University of Oklahoma campus at 555 Elm Ave.
