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I AM - Exhibition by Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz

  • Presented By: Hickory Museum of Art
  • Dates: March 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
  • Hickory Museum of Art
  • 243 3rd Ave NE
    Hickory, NC 28601
  • (828) 327-8576
  • 10-4 PM on W,F,SAT, 10-8 PM on TH & 1-4 PM on SUN
  • Price: The Hickory Museum of Art is free admission, but they do accept donations.
  • Visit Website

Details

Opening March 1st, Hickory Museum of Art will feature the artwork of Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz in his innovative exhibition entitled I AM. Ortiz continues his REVOLT 1680/2180 saga at Hickory Museum of Art with a brand new chapter. The artist draws inspiration from the most successful Indigenous uprising against a colonizing power in North American History, the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. Ortiz keeps Cochiti pottery traditions alive but transforms them into a contemporary vision that embraces his Pueblo history and culture and merges it with apocalyptic themes, science fiction, and his own storytelling.

Virgil Ortiz brings his narrative to life at HMA through immersive projection and sound, augmented reality, traditional Cochiti pottery, monumental contemporary pottery, and surprises being debuted at our Museum. This exhibition encourages repeat visitation as you engage with the story and meet the rebellion’s protagonists.

Ortiz has developed 19 groups of characters that represent the 19 Pueblos that still remain. HMA’s storyline highlights Tahu, leader of the Blind Archers. The beautiful, evocative Tahu reflects the strength, power, and resilience of the Pueblo women.

Also opening at HMA, large-scale photographs by artist Randy Bacon will exhibit alongside the traditional pottery of the Catawba Nation. This exhibition will create the opportunity for our community to learn Catawba County history while meeting members of the Catawba Nation.
 
This is the first time in the museum’s history where Indigenous artists will be featured on all three floors of HMA. 

This exhibit runs March 1st through August 31st

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