The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has opened a new exhibition, “Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation,” highlighting more than 60 Anishinaabe artists from the Great Lakes region. The exhibition, led by Dr. Denene De Quintal, associate curator of Native American Art, was developed with guidance from an advisory council of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi artists, according to The Detroit News.
As reported by ClickOnDetroit, running through April 5, the exhibition features over 90 works spanning from 1893 to 2025, including beadwork, basketry, painting, and sculpture. Notable works include Josephine Mandamin’s Water Walks, focused on natural resource protection, and pottery by Jason Wesaw. Gallery labels have also been translated into Anishinaabemowin to emphasize cultural and linguistic heritage.
Admission is free for tri-county residents and for anyone with a tribal ID. In a statement to BridgeDetroit, DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons said the exhibition highlights the connections between contemporary Native American artists and traditional practices.
The curation process was collaborative, with artists involved from the beginning. The show features artists such as Jonathan Thunder and Konstance Patton and reflects efforts to expand representation of Anishinaabe culture and history.
