Indigenous Artists of Florida Feature Prominently at Miami Art Week

Each December, the art world converges on Miami for a week of dynamic art fairs, notably Art Basel Miami Beach, showcasing global artistic talent. This year, alongside contemporary artworks, visitors can experience a profound cultural immersion through two notable exhibitions celebrating the heritage of the region’s original inhabitants: the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes.

The “Yakne Seminoli” (“Seminole World”) exhibition at the HistoryMiami Museum presents over 25 Seminole artists’ works, including traditional crafts like beadwork, patchwork, and basketry, alongside contemporary mediums like painting, photography, and even artificial intelligence. This exhibition, organized with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum of the Big Cypress Reservation, emphasizes that Seminole history is intrinsically tied to Florida’s history.

With a complex past, the Seminole people have continually fought for their rights, facing challenges from the 1800s Long War and the 20th century’s termination policies. Recently, the construction of the controversial Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Everglades, near sacred tribal lands, highlights ongoing struggles. A lawsuit partially curtailed operations, but the facility remains contentious.

The art showcased in “Yakne Seminoli” speaks to the resilience and innovation of Seminole artists. Works like Jimmy Osceola’s iconic painting of a man with an alligator and Gordon O. Wareham’s AI-enhanced image “Unity” depict the tribes’ cultural strength and adaptability. Hali Garcia’s basketry skillfully blends traditional techniques with modern influences, showcasing continuity and change under her matrilineal heritage.

The exhibition not only celebrates but raises awareness of significant issues such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic through its “Crisis Wall”.

Located in the remote Everglades, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum attracts around 35,000 visitors annually, and its partnership with HistoryMiami aims to broaden public understanding of Miami’s deep-rooted indigenous history. HistoryMiami Museum Director Natalia Crujeiras hopes the exhibition will spark curiosity about the enduring influence of Seminole culture, marking a successful endeavor to honor and share the tribes’ lasting impact and tenacity.