What's Happening?
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 17 Native artists initiated an unsanctioned augmented reality (AR) project within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American wing. The project, titled ENCODED: Change the Story, Change the Future, digitally alters 19th-century paintings by overlaying cosmological figures and pow-wow dancers. Co-curated by Tracy Renée Rector and an anonymous Indigenous co-curator, the initiative questions the narratives presented by American art and the museum's role in displaying them. Despite the Met's recent efforts to include Native art, such as hiring Patricia Marroquin Norby as the first associate curator of Native American art and showcasing the Diker collection, the project highlights ongoing issues of representation and provenance.
Why It's Important?
This intervention underscores the ongoing dialogue about representation and ownership of Native American art within major institutions. By using AR, the artists challenge the traditional narratives and offer alternative perspectives that are often overlooked. The project highlights the need for museums to address historical injustices and engage with Indigenous communities in meaningful ways. It also raises questions about the provenance of Native artifacts, as only a fraction of the Diker collection has complete provenance. This initiative could influence how museums curate and display Indigenous art, potentially leading to more inclusive practices.
What's Next?
The project is set to run until December 31, allowing visitors to experience the augmented reality transformations. It may prompt further discussions within the museum community about the inclusion and representation of Indigenous art. The Met's response to this unsanctioned project could set a precedent for how institutions handle similar interventions in the future. Additionally, the updated Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) may influence how museums manage the return of cultural artifacts, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts with Indigenous groups.
Beyond the Headlines
The project not only challenges the narratives within the museum but also reflects broader societal issues regarding the representation and rights of Indigenous peoples. It highlights the ethical considerations museums must navigate when displaying cultural artifacts and the importance of acknowledging Indigenous perspectives. The use of AR technology in this context demonstrates how digital tools can be employed to critique and reshape historical narratives, offering a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
