The Seattle Art Museum proudly presents "Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map," an unprecedented retrospective that encapsulates the creative journey of one of the most influential Native American artists of her generation, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. From February 29 to May 12, 2024, visitors are invited to explore the most comprehensive showcase of Smith's oeuvre, featuring her pioneering works that span over five decades.

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, born in 1940 and a proud citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, has carved a distinct path through the art world. Her works are a testament to an enduring spirit that challenges the status quo and addresses the pressing issues of contemporary Native American life. The exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum offers an immersive dive into Smith's multidisciplinary approach, where paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures become the language she uses to navigate complex cultural terrains.

Smith's artistry is rooted in the amalgamation of modern art methodologies and Indigenous cultural traditions. Her canvases are arenas where abstraction, expressionism, and Pop Art converge, giving voice to a narrative that is uniquely hers yet speaks volumes about the collective Native experience. Smith's art is not merely for contemplation but serves as a vehicle for critical dialogue—her satirical edge and humor cutting through the noise to spotlight the ironies and injustices woven into the American fabric.

The exhibition, organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, and supported generously by the Henry Luce Foundation and the Terra Foundation for American Art, casts a spotlight on Smith's role as both an artist and an activist. Visitors will encounter works that are as vibrant and dynamic as they are thought-provoking, traversing issues of land rights, social justice, environmentalism, and cultural preservation.

In "Memory Map," attendees will witness how Smith's art has evolved while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exploring themes of identity and belonging. Her pieces are memory maps, charting the histories and experiences of her people, and by extension, offering a mirror to society's own reflections. Smith's work prompts us to consider who we are, the lands we inhabit, and the legacies we wish to leave behind.

The Seattle Art Museum's presentation of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's works is further enriched by a series of public programs, educational initiatives, and community partnerships. These collaborative efforts aim to extend the conversation beyond the museum walls, ensuring Smith's influential message resonates throughout the Seattle community and beyond.

In anticipation of this landmark exhibition, the Seattle Art Museum extends an invitation to all to partake in this visual feast and to engage with the compelling and necessary perspectives that Smith so masterfully weaves. This retrospective is not just an exhibition; it is a convergence of past and present, a dialogue between viewer and creator, and a profound narrative that demands attention.

As Seattle continues to foster its reputation as a hub for artistic innovation and cultural discourse, "Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map" stands as a beacon of the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse and meaningful works. It's an opportunity for art enthusiasts, community members, and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a transformative experience that is bound to leave a lasting impression.

For more information on the exhibition, ticketing, and related events, please visit the Seattle Art Museum's official website.