The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is currently hosting Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always, a landmark exhibition that delves into the complexities of contemporary Native American art. Curated by the late Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, this exhibition features over 100 works by 97 artists representing 74 Indigenous nations and communities across North America. The exhibition is on view through December 21, 2025, offering a comprehensive survey of Indigenous art from the past fifty years.zimmerli.rutgers.edu+8zimmerli.rutgers.edu+8zimmerli.rutgers.edu+8
🖼️ A Celebration of Indigenous Art and Identity
Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always is the largest museum exhibition of contemporary Native American art to date. The exhibition includes a diverse array of media, such as painting, photography, sculpture, beadwork, ceramics, and video installations. The works explore themes of cultural identity, resistance, and the ongoing impact of colonization. Artists featured in the exhibition include Tony Abeyta, Jeffrey Gibson, Kay WalkingStick, and Nicholas Galanin, among others.NewJerseyStage.com+3zimmerli.rutgers.edu+3zimmerli.rutgers.edu+3Rutgers New Brunswick+1zimmerli.rutgers.edu+1zimmerli.rutgers.edu+3zimmerli.rutgers.edu+3zimmerli.rutgers.edu+3
One notable piece is Marie Watt’s Skywalker/Skyscraper (Twins) (2020), which honors Haudenosaunee ironworkers who contributed to the construction of New York City’s skyscrapers. Another significant work is Jeffrey Gibson’s She Never Dances Alone (2021), a multimedia painting that addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). These works, along with many others, challenge viewers to reconsider narratives surrounding Indigenous communities and their histories.Rutgers New Brunswick+2NewJerseyStage.com+2zimmerli.rutgers.edu+2
🎤 Public Programs and Engagement
The Zimmerli Art Museum has organized a series of public programs to complement the exhibition. These include virtual artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding. For instance, the museum hosted a conversation between artists Neal Ambrose-Smith and John Hitchcock during the opening reception. Upcoming events include a SparkNight art party celebrating Women’s History Month and a family workshop series inspired by the exhibition. These programs provide opportunities for the public to engage directly with the themes and artists featured in the exhibition.zimmerli.rutgers.edu+4zimmerli.rutgers.edu+4NewJerseyStage.com+4zimmerli.rutgers.edu+1zimmerli.rutgers.edu+1NewJerseyStage.com+2zimmerli.rutgers.edu+2zimmerli.rutgers.edu+2
🏛️ A Legacy of Indigenous-Led Curation
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s curatorial approach was deeply rooted in Indigenous perspectives. She emphasized collaboration by inviting artists to contribute their voices to the exhibition’s narrative. Each artwork is accompanied by a statement from the artist, offering insight into their creative process and the cultural significance of their work. This Indigenous-led curation challenges traditional museum practices and aims to decolonize the exhibition space.NewJerseyStage.com+6The Art Newspaper+6zimmerli.rutgers.edu+6zimmerli.rutgers.edu+1zimmerli.rutgers.edu+1
📍 Visiting the Exhibition
The Zimmerli Art Museum is located at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The museum is open to the public, and admission is free. Visitors can explore the exhibition and participate in the various programs offered throughout the year. For more information on visiting hours and upcoming events, please visit the Zimmerli Art Museum’s official website.zimmerli.rutgers.edu
Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always is more than an art exhibition; it is a powerful statement about the resilience and vitality of Indigenous cultures. By showcasing the diverse voices of Native American artists, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and the importance of cultural preservation. For residents of New Jersey and visitors alike, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous art and narratives in a meaningful way.