Evening Grand Entry, 2023

Acrylic, oblong glass beads, and synthetic sinew on aluminum panel

A Minnesota-based artist and curator of Sicangu Lakota, German, and Welsh ancestry, Dyani White Hawk is known for merging histories of modern abstract painting with abstract traditions in Lakota art. White Hawk’s works echo her American upbringing and her Indigenous ancestors’ mediums and modes for making visual art. The title of her dazzling abstract geometric painting Evening Grand Entry is a reference to the spectacular moment at the beginning of a powwow when the audience stands as an elder leads a parade of dancers into a round arena. While participants hold flags that represent the tribes in attendance, drums beat out the grand entry song and the dancers join in an opening dance.