Jeremy Frey stands out as one of the leading Indigenous weavers in the United States. Originating from Maine, he acquired traditional Wabanaki weaving methods from his mother and through his involvement with the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. Frey's artistry represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, infusing each creation with innovative concepts while establishing a marketplace for pieces that have often been overlooked in contemporary art galleries. His unique aesthetic emerges from a process of experimentation, where he fuses craft, design, and contemporary art, drawing inspiration from various forms and developing techniques that elevate the art form to unprecedented heights.
In recognition of his contributions, Frey received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2025. He will engage in a conversation with Hrag Vartanian, co-founder and editor-at-large of Hyperallergic, discussing the journey of each artwork he creates--from the initial gathering of materials to the final pieces that challenge conventional classifications and have been showcased in some of the world's most prestigious museums.
This event is complimentary for paid members of Hyperallergic.
The Generational Impact of Jeremy Frey's New Artistic Path
Join us online on Wednesday, April 29, from 3 to 4 PM (ET) for an enlightening discussion.
Frey, born in 1978 on the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation in Maine, is celebrated as one of the foremost craftspeople of his generation. A descendant of a long lineage of Indigenous weavers, he learned the traditional Wabanaki techniques from his mother and through apprenticeships at the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. His vessels, crafted from foraged natural materials like sweetgrass and black ash wood, are known for their subtle forms, intricate color layers, and detailed weaves.
By building upon and innovating within the material histories of Wabanaki basketry, Frey's work also resonates with contemporary sculpture's focus on materiality, form, and the nuances of repetition. His groundbreaking basket relief prints utilize a novel flat weaving technique that allows for repeated printing without depleting the rare materials he uses. Frey continues to reside in Maine, where he remains committed to advancing the art of weaving.
Hrag Vartanian, a prominent figure in the art community, serves as editor-at-large and co-founder of Hyperallergic, bringing his insights to this significant event.