Class Description
This course delves into the vibrant artistic expressions of Indigenous peoples, highlighting their deep-rooted connections to cultural heritage while embracing modern interpretations and forward-looking perspectives. Drawing inspiration from the diverse Indigenous communities of Chicago and beyond, students will engage with both historical contexts and present-day realities.
The course will feature a blend of theoretical insights, practical explorations, and critical analyses, inviting participants to reflect on how contemporary Indigenous artists navigate tradition, identity, and innovation in their creative practices. Each week will integrate theoretical readings, multimedia presentations, and discussions to deepen understanding of how contemporary Indigenous artists navigate cultural traditions while innovating for the future.
Content warning: Works by Native artists often refer to the history of their peoples in the colonial context of the United States and Canada. They contain explicit references to colonial violence, genocidal policies, and systemic racism, as well as representations of physical violence, family trauma, sexual abuse, and mental illness. Please visit the Newberry’s policy regarding access to and treatment of Culturally Sensitive Indigenous Materials in the Library’s collections.
Léna Remy-Kovach is a lecturer and a PhD candidate in Indigenous Studies. She specializes in contemporary Native literature. She lives in Teejop, also known as Madison, Wisconsin, on traditional Ho-Chunk territory.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available on a password-protected basis to participants registered in the class. These recordings are available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
Required
- Instructor-Distributed Materials
Cost and Registration
6 Sessions, $245 ($220 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($245), Community Supported ($230), and Sponsor ($260). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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