Brian Jungen Strange Comfort Exhibit October 15, 2009

This major survey of Brian Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations/Swiss/Canadian), widely regarded as the foremost Native artist of his generation, transforms the familiar and banal into exquisite objects that reference themes of globalization, pop culture, museums, and the commodification of Indian imagery. Jungen first came to prominence with Prototypes for New Understandings (1998–2005), for which he fashioned Nike footwear into masks that suggested Northwest Coast iconography. Later works have included a pod of whales made from plastic chairs, totem poles made from golf bags, and a massive basketball court made from 224 sewing tables. Strange Comfort features Jungen's iconic works, as well as major pieces never before seen in the United States.

Official Website: http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=exhibitions&second=dc&third=upcoming