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Multi-disciplinary artist and member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Jason Wesaw’s practice strives to decolonize art institutions by being a voice for Indigenous ways of being. Wesaw’s artistry began at the age of 14, when he transformed a hollow log he found in the woods into a drum. Since then, his practice has evolved, moving across printmaking, basketry, and ceramics, all of which employ bold colors, pattern-making, and traditional Potawatomi designs. He says, “I try to tell a lot about the culture and community that I come from…and encourage people to engage with the land…The land doesn’t really like to speak to you in a way that your ears can hear, but your spirit and your body and your heart, can understand that language of the land.” For his lecture, Wesaw presents on the forms in which his art manifests this ethos.

ABOUT

Jason Wesaw is an educator and multi-disciplinary artist, exhibiting eclectic works in clay, textiles, paper, installations, and traditional cultural pieces. His projects relate stories about the Potawatomi people’s ancient and evolving connection to the Land, the Sky, the Water, and Beyond. He is also dedicated to working in his Tribal community as a Peacemaker and believes strongly in the healing, creative, and empowering teachings of his ancestors. Wesaw is Potawatomi (Turtle Clan) and lives near the historic Pokagon Potawatomi settlement of Rush Lake in southwestern Michigan. He exhibits internationally and has work in the permanent collections of the Eiteljorg Museum (IN), Grand Valley State University (MI), the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at Notre Dame (IN), the Field Museum (IL), the Indiana State Museum, the Block Museum of Art (IL), and many other regional private, Tribal, and corporate collections.

ACCESS INFORMATION: This program is free and CART captioning will be available. For questions and access accommodations, email gallery400engagement@gmail.com.