The New York Historical Society has announced a significant donation of modern and contemporary artworks by Native American artists, generously provided by board chair Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and her husband, Oscar Tang. This remarkable collection features over 100 artists, ranging from early 20th-century potter Nampeyo of Hano (Tewa) to contemporary painter and sculptor Jeffrey Gibson (Choctaw/Cherokee).
This bequest comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Louise Mirrer, the president and CEO of the New York Historical Society, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This donation and the milestone exhibition highlight Agnes's vision as board chair, which aims to emphasize Indigenous cultural expressions and foster a dialogue that underscores the essential role of Indigenous histories in America's narrative."
To honor this gift, the society will host the exhibition titled "House Made of Dawn: Art by Native Americans 1880 to Now, Selections from the Hsu-Tang Collection," running from April 22 to August 2. Curated by Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto (Native Hawaiian), the exhibition will showcase a diverse array of mediums, spotlighting artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including ceramist Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso), illustrator Angel De Cora (Ho-Chunk), and poet-composer Zitkala-Ša (Yankton Dakota).
The exhibition will also feature influential Flatstyle painters such as Gerónima Montoya (Ohkay Owingeh) and the Kiowa Six, alongside mid-20th-century icons like Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota) and George Morrison (Ojibwe). Notably, the work of photographer Lee Marmon (Laguna) will be displayed for the first time in a New York museum, alongside contemporary artists like Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith (Salish) and Emmi Whitehorse (Navajo), who were instrumental in founding the Grey Canyon Artists collective.
Among the promised works are:
- Diné Weaver, USA Flag, late 19th century
- Nampeyo of Hano, Untitled, late 19th or early 20th century
- Lee Marmon, White Man's Moccasins, 1954
- Valjean McCartey Hessing, But We Wear Peace Medals, 1974
- Fritz Scholder, Patriotic Indian, 1975
- Benjamin L. West, No DAPL, 2016
- Zoë Marieh Urness, Raven Tells His Story in the Fog, 2021
- Kent Monkman, Study for wîcihitowin (helping each other), 2024
This exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture, enriching the narrative of American history through the lens of Native American creativity.
