A Brief But Spectacular take on channeling identity through art

Key Concepts

• Native Identity: The exploration and celebration of Indigenous heritage through artistic expression.
• Crow Indian Reservation: The cultural and geographical context of Redstar’s upbringing in Montana.
• Historical Archival Research: The practice of using historical photographs of Crow people to reclaim narratives and provide context.
• Land Sovereignty: The historical and spiritual connection between the Crow people and their ancestral territories.
• Cultural Preservation: The role of art as a fundamental medium for maintaining and documenting Indigenous history.

Artistic Philosophy and Background

Wendy Redstar, a multimedia artist based in Portland, Oregon, draws heavily from her upbringing on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. She characterizes her family as "funny," a trait that frequently manifests in her work. While viewers may perceive her art as ironic, Redstar clarifies that she is "telling the truth," using humor and authenticity to bridge the gap between historical perception and lived experience.

The "Sits in the Middle of the Land" Project

A pivotal moment in Redstar’s career occurred during her undergraduate studies at Montana State University. She encountered the historical figure "Sits in the Middle of the Land," a Crow chief who defined Crow territory to the U.S. government by stating, "My home is where my teepee sits."

• Methodology: The chief mapped out 38 million acres by placing four poles along major seasonal migration routes.
• Real-World Application: Upon realizing that Bozeman, Montana (where her university was located), fell within this ancestral territory, Redstar felt a sense of comfort and belonging.
• Artistic Execution: To honor this history, she installed teepees around the university campus, physically manifesting the historical boundaries of the Crow nation within a modern academic setting.

Archival Research and Reclaiming Narratives

Redstar utilizes historical images of Crow people as a primary source of inspiration. Her process involves:

1. Identification: Researching the names and identities of individuals in historical photographs.
2. Contextualization: Investigating the specific locations and circumstances under which these photographs were taken.
3. Re-humanization: By uncovering the stories behind the subjects, she moves beyond the "historical image" to reveal the humanity and specific identity of the people depicted.

The Necessity of Art for Identity

Redstar posits that art is not merely a profession but a fundamental component of her existence. She argues that art is the primary vehicle through which cultures are remembered. Her perspective is summarized by her statement: "I need to make art and if I don't make art, then I'm not fundamentally me." For Redstar, the act of creation is an essential practice for maintaining her identity as a Crow woman.

Conclusion

Wendy Redstar’s work serves as a bridge between the past and the present. By combining personal memory—such as riding horses and participating in the annual "Crow Fair"—with rigorous historical research, she challenges static perceptions of Native identity. Her work demonstrates that art is a vital tool for reclaiming land, history, and personal truth, ensuring that Indigenous narratives remain active and evolving rather than relegated to the archives of history.