Rosy Simas Opens Contemplative Installation at Walker Art Center Amid Federal Occupation
On February 12, Tom Homan, appointed by Trump as the border czar, declared the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, which had mobilized over 4,000 agents in the Twin Cities and led to the fatalities of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. That same day, Rosy Simas launched her exhibition titled "A:gaję:gwah dęsa’nigöęwę:nye:'" at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. This installation showcases salt bottles crafted from woven corn husks, treaty cloth panels, deerskin lace, and a language pillar representing the Haudenosaunee language. Drawing inspiration from her ancestor Handsome Lake, the exhibition will be open until July 5 and features performances from May 13 to 16. Simas highlights the necessity of amplifying Native, BIPOC, and queer voices during the federal occupation.
Key facts
- Rosy Simas opened exhibition at Walker Art Center on February 12.
- Same day Tom Homan announced end of Operation Metro Surge.
- Operation Metro Surge deployed over 4,000 federal agents in Twin Cities.
- Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed during the operation.
- Installation includes salt bottles made from woven corn husks honoring relatives.
- Exhibition inspired by Handsome Lake, Simas's fifth great-grandfather's half-brother.
- Exhibition on view through July 5; performances May 13–16.
- Simas received a Creative Capital Award for her visual art practice.
Entities
Artists
- Rosy Simas
- Handsome Lake (Ganyodaiyo')
Institutions
- Walker Art Center
- Creative Capital
Locations
- Minneapolis
- United States
- Twin Cities