Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art | Through May 24 | Bentonville, AR

Companion Species

A celebration of connectedness between humans and nature is displayed in an exhibition of works from across cultures.

In its efforts to continually celebrate the American spirit, Crystal Bridges Museum of American art brings an exciting collection of works in their exhibition Companion Species: We are All Related. The artwork will explore deeper themes of connectedness and the relationships between humans and the natural world, and with each other. The exhibition will not only highlight work by Native artists, but will also include artists of varying cultures who are engaging with the same conversations. Crystal Bridges partnered with the Museum of Native American History (MONAH), where pieces will also be on display.

Marie Watt (Seneca Nation), Companion Species (Speech Bubble), 2019, reclaimed wool blankets, embroidery floss and thread, 1365/8 x 198½". Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2019.30. © Marie Watt / Licensed by PDX Contemporary Art, Portland, OR.

The exhibition planning began a year ago when Crystal Bridges received a new acquisition of work by textile artist and activist Marie Watt (Seneca Nation). Watt’s narrative series Companion Species, inspired the theme of the exhibition and sparked a profound conversation. This is seen in her piece Speech Bubble, made of red wool hand-stitched by members of Watts’ community, and inspired by words from Marvin Gaye’s song “What’s Going On.”

Pop Chalee or Merina Lujan (Taos Pueblo, 1906-1993), Enchanted Forest, ca. 1950, gouache on paper, 20 x 25". Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas.

“We wanted to draw a little more attention and investigate deeper themes,” says Mindy Besaw, curator for Crystal Bridges. “Watt talks about what she would say is ‘the symbiotic relationship humans have with the natural world, and the notion that we’re all related.’ There are many references and creation stories about how animals are the first teachers of humans and how much we can learn by watching their behavior.”

Harry Fonseca (Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian, Portuguese, 1946-2006), Coyote Dancer, ca. 1980, acrylic on canvas, 72 x 48". Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Crystal Bridges and MONAH felt the exhibition should open the discussion between both American and Native art, furthering the theme of human bonds. “It was really important for us to use artwork as a way of talking about cross cultural connections,” Besaw says. “We reach out and connect with people to build empathy, and this extends to animals as well as with nature. One of the nice things that has come out of the pandemic, is the idea of connectivity. Our communities are looking a lot different these days and there are now alternative methods of gathering. It’s about highlighting and celebrating connections rather than the separations we’re all feeling.”

Quapaw Artist, Nesting Fawn Teapot, ca. 1500-1700. Collection of Museum of Native American History, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Besides Watt's work, exhibition attendees will also see these themes play out in works such as Coyote Dancer by Harry Fonseca (Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian, Portuguese). “There’s a sense of reciprocity and story time,” says Besaw. Fonseca uses the coyote as an avatar, usually depicted wearing a leather jacket, that stands in for him as an “urban Indian.” His use of the avatar serves as a way for Fonseca to navigate all the roles and expectations of a modern day Native American man.

Also on display is a significant piece by Pop Chalee or Merina Lujan (Taos Pueblo) titled, Enchanted Forest. “Chalee came out of a time of mainly flat painting styles,” Besaw adds. “[The piece] shows a dynamic use of color and the plants depicted really pop to the surface. She did a lot of enchanted forest subject matter, often depicting animals, and the relationship between humans and the natural world is really highlighted in this.”

This impeccable exhibition is currently on view, running through May 24, and will be displayed at both Crystal Bridges Museum of American art and the Museum of Native American History concurrently. The show will then travel to two other museums at the close of the show.

Through May 24
Companion Species: We are All Related

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 418-5700, www.crystalbridges.org