Jeffrey Gibson's Indigenous Futurism Unpacks Native Mythologies

Jeffrey Gibson's work challenges persistent myths around Native American culture through vibrant, speculative art. His piece 'They Play Endlessly' (2021) combines geometric canvases, beadwork, and text like 'The myth persists' to critique stereotypical depictions. Gibson, of Cherokee and Choctaw descent, uses craft and collage to repattern contemporary indigeneity. His exhibition 'The Body Electric' at Site Santa Fe (2022) included beaded sculptures like 'Firebelly' (2021) and punching bags with lyrics from Depeche Mode. Gibson's work references historical beadwork from Venice and Bohemia, and incorporates phrases from Raymond Carver and Frantz Fanon. Recent projects include 'I AM YOUR RELATIVE' at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto and 'Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House' at Socrates Sculpture Park. A survey, 'THE SPIRITS ARE LAUGHING', opens at Aspen Art Museum on 4 November; 'They Come From Fire' at Portland Art Museum from 15 October to 26 February; new works at Stephen Friedman's booth at Frieze London, 12–16 October.