National Museum of the American Indian
Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort
October 16, 2009 – August 8, 2010
This major survey features iconic works by Brian Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations/Swiss/Canadian), as well as major pieces never before seen in the United States. Jungen is widely regarded as the foremost Native artist of his generation; his art transforms the familiar and banal into exquisite objects that reference themes of globalization, pop culture, museums, and the commodification of Indian imagery. He first came to prominence with Prototypes for New Understandings (1998-2005), which fashioned Nike footwear into masks that suggested Northwest Coast iconography. Later works have included a pod of whales made from plastic chairs, totem poles made from golf bags, and a massive basketball court made from 224 sewing tables.
prototype for new understanding #23 2005. Nike Air Jordans. 18½ x 20½ x 57/8 in. Collection of Debra and Dennis Scholl. Courtesy of Debra and Dennis Scholl. © Brian Jungen.
