Rosy Simas, a renowned interdisciplinary artist, has unveiled her latest creation, A:gajë:gwah dësa’nigöëwë:nye:' (i hope it will stir your mind), at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. This contemplative installation serves as a sanctuary amidst the chaos and fear that have enveloped the city due to the federal occupation and its impact on immigrant communities. The exhibition is a powerful response to the recent events, including the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the aggressive tactics of federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
Simas' work draws inspiration from her fifth great-grandfather's half-brother, Handsome Lake (Ganyodaiyo’), who experienced a vision after years of war and taught his people about the Seneca notion of a "good mind" in the early 1800s. The installation features objects such as salt bottles made from woven corn husks, each hung from a grid on the ceiling in honor of one of Simas’s relatives. This sensory experience invites viewers to slow down, connect with the objects, and find peace in a time of turmoil.
In an interview, Simas discusses the evolution of the installation since January, emphasizing its subtle and evoking nature. She aims to create a space for people to rest their nervous systems and reflect on the importance of generating peace. The artist's approach to creating this exhibition is unique, as she prefers iterative and dynamic work, which is why she incorporates community engagement activities and a two-part project, including performances on May 13-16. The performances add a layer of presentation and ebb and flow, drawing the audience's focus to the performers' expressions and sharing.
One of the key aspects of the exhibition is the counterclockwise movement and the invitation to actively engage with the different spaces. Simas, as a body-based moving artist, draws inspiration from the Haudenosaunee world, where everything is done counterclockwise. The installation's design, with panels hanging from a grid, reflects her theater-based approach to stage design and performance space.
Simas also addresses the importance of visibility for Native, BIPOC, and queer voices, which are often suppressed during times of federal occupation. She emphasizes the need to keep creating work, even when faced with paralysis and the inability to leave one's house. The space she has created feels sacred, offering a much-needed sanctuary for individuals to be with themselves and contemplate the materials and their meanings.
In conclusion, Rosy Simas' A:gajë:gwah dësa’nigöëwë:nye:' is a powerful and thought-provoking installation that provides a much-needed respite from the chaos and fear of the federal occupation. Her work not only addresses the immediate impact on immigrant communities but also draws from her cultural heritage and artistic vision, offering a space for reflection and peace.
