Indigenous people are central to the story of popular culture in the Western Hemisphere, and popular culture is important to many Indigenous people and experiences. This exhibition, drawn from the Newberry’s growing collections for American Indian and Indigenous Studies, shares four centuries of Indigenous creators, athletes, activists, and fans engaged with pop—from pamphlets to comic books, and from daguerreotypes to video games.
Curators
Will Hansen, Roger and Julie Baskes Vice President for Collection and Library Services, and Curator of Americana.
River Ian Kerstetter (Onʌyota'a:ka / Wisconsin Oneida), Independent artist, designer, writer, and educator.
Exhibition-Related Programming
Public Programs at the Newberry are free and open to all. Registration required in advance.
Imagining Indigenous Futures, March 27, 6pm
In this edition of “Conversations at the Newberry,” authors Darcie Little Badger and Joshua Whitehead discuss Indigenous approaches to Sci-Fi and Futurism.
Star Wars: A New Hope—Navajo Language Version, May 3, 1pm
The Newberry presents the Navajo Language version of Star Wars: A New Hope. The Newberry's Will Hansen will introduce the screening by sharing how this version was conceptualized and created.
Planting Seeds: An Indigenous Zine Fest, June 7, 11am
Indigenous zine makers and artists will display and sell their zines and artwork. The event will include hands-on activities led by artists.
The Return of Navajo Boy Screening and Discussion, July 12, 1:30 pm
Adult Education Class at the Newberry
Drawing from the Margins: Studying Indigenous Representation in Comics, April 26-May 10, 1pm
Read luminary and emerging comic artists to better understand the history of Indigenous representation, creators, and communities.
More About the Space
The Trienens galleries include an introductory gallery and a larger primary gallery. Exhibitions mounted there typically include 40-70 items from the Newberry's vast collections. Exhibitions in the Trienens galleries allow visitors to explore compelling themes and historical content in depth. Examples of past exhibitions include: Pop-Ups Through the Ages and Viva La Libertad. Click here to view a photo of the galleries.
Supporters
Native Pop! is generously supported by the Henry Luce Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
