The Yorkshire Sculpture Park has been electrified with the arrival of 'Hold to This Earth', an unmissable exhibition showcasing the works of 38 Indigenous American artists. As visitors step into the underground galleries, they're immersed in a rich tapestry of artistic expression, woven from clay, earth, fabric, ceramics, painting, and sculpture – all firing on themes of land, memory, oppression, and freedom.
A potent sense of ancestral identity pulses through every piece, like the intricate Navajo weavings of Tyrrell Tapaha and Melissa Cody, Jeffrey Gibson's beadwork, or Dyani White Hawk's towering column. These artists are not just paying homage to their heritage – they're pushing tradition into bold new directions, fusing ancient aesthetics with contemporary ideas that leave you breathless. From Gibson's unflinching exploration of his queer identity within the Indigenous culture to Cody's pixelated video game motifs integrated into Navajo designs, it's clear these artists are not just honouring their roots – they're forging a new path forward.
The exhibition is also home to poignant intergenerational works that tug at the heartstrings. Pueblo sculptor Rose B Simpson's ceramic figures are imbued with a deep sense of connection to ancestral traditions and the land, as if the earth itself has been shaped by their skilled hands. A sculpture by Simpson's mother, Roxanne Swentzell, stands nearby – a stunning depiction of a nude woman moulding herself from clay – underscoring the enduring bond between artists and the natural world.
But 'Hold to This Earth' is more than just a celebration of traditional crafts; it's also a powerful exploration of modern mediums like photography, neon installations, and videos. And at its core lies a unifying thread: the unbreakable spirit of art in the face of oppression. Indigenous Americans have faced centuries of persecution and exploitation on occupied lands – their art is a searing indictment of this injustice. The show crackles with anger and protest, from Edgar Heap of Birds' placards challenging the desecration of sacred sites to Yatika Starr Fields' hanging tents used by Dakota Access Pipeline protesters.
As you navigate the exhibition, the weight of history bears down upon you – the deep pain and anger stemming from centuries of colonialism is palpable. Virgil Ortiz's giant black ceramic bust stands as a testament to this legacy, commemorating a Tewa leader who organised a 17th-century revolt against the Spanish. 'Hold to This Earth' is not just an exploration of memory and the natural world – it's a potent form of aesthetic resistance, offering a moving and often beautiful insight into a diverse community united by shared experiences, a profound love for the land, and a deep understanding of the connections that bind us all.