Truman Lowe Retrospective at National Museum of the American Indian Explores Water as Material and Metaphor
The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, is currently hosting the first significant retrospective of Truman Lowe, a Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist, titled "Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe." The exhibition begins with "Ottawa" (1992), a flowing sculpture crafted from pine and peeled willow saplings, reminiscent of the river currents from Lowe's youth. Its sinuous shape challenges the static nature of wood, reflecting Lowe's belief that wood embodies water. Organized around four themes related to flowing water—Landscape and Place, Woodland Structures, Memory, and Shared Knowledge—the show emphasizes the cultural significance of the number four in Hoocąk tradition. Notable pieces include "Mimi" (1979) and "Wána (Cascade)" (2002), both illustrating Lowe's deep connection to water as a material and metaphor.
Key facts
- "Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe" is the first major retrospective of Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist Truman Lowe.
- The exhibition is on view at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
- The show opens with "Ottawa" (1992), a sculpture of pine and peeled willow saplings.
- The works are arranged around four themes: Landscape and Place, Woodland Structures, Memory, and Shared Knowledge.
- In Hoocąk culture, the number four signifies reverence, history, and permanence through repetition.
- "Mimi" (1979) is composed of four peeled willow branches, four groupings of blue jay feathers, and red beads in sequences of four.
- "Wána (Cascade)" (2002) is an aluminium sculpture included in the exhibition.
- The exhibition resonates with Toni Morrison's quote: "all water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was."
Entities
Artists
- Truman Lowe
- Toni Morrison
- Chinyere Erondu
Institutions
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States