Indigenous Artist Showcase: Dennis RedMoon Darkeem, “Junctures”

Mason Gross Galleries is proud to present Junctures, a solo exhibition by Dennis RedMoon Darkeem as part of its annual Indigenous Artist Showcase, coinciding with our Co-Cureate exhibitions. Working across diverse mediums such as photography, collage, sculpture, performance, and textiles, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem’s practice explores themes of community, craft revitalization, and the convergence of personal and collective histories.

This exhibition highlights the artist’s collage and textile works, deeply rooted in Seminole patchwork traditions and the repurposing of found materials used in traditional clothing as a form of visual communication. Drawing inspiration from these cultural practices, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem repurposes materials from his environment to create a personal visual language that serves as a bridge where African-American and Indigenous histories intersect with his own memories and everyday experiences.

Each work in the exhibition serves as a point of connection, not only in its narrative and materiality but also in its ability to invite personal interpretation, reflection, and engagement from the viewer. The exhibition stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to weave together disparate influences, creating a space where history, memory, and material culture converge.

Meet the artist at our opening reception, which takes place 6–9 p.m. September 26. Join him 6–8 p.m. October 4 for a collage workshop in Civic Square Building 110.

Artist Statement

As a Black and Indigenous artist, my work is rooted in the preservation of culture and the empowerment of young people to reclaim and reimagine their own narratives connected to identity, land, place, and home. Through my artwork, I seek to inspire, educate, and preserve the histories of displaced people who have paved the way for my existence today. I am profoundly grateful to my ancestors, and my work serves as an homage to their sacrifices, goals, and enduring legacies. I strive to keep their stories alive, preserving their knowledge so that I may pass it down, just as it was passed down to me.

Collage is my primary form of expression, allowing me to draw connections between environment and cultural identity while documenting the present through the use of found objects and traditional craft. My process involves transforming these materials into visual narratives, creating spaces for engagement, reflection, and education within communities. By weaving together personal and collective histories, my art not only honors the past but also serves as a tool for empowering others to reclaim their stories and explore their place in the world. Through this work, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and inspire future generations to connect with their roots, honor their ancestors, and preserve the cultural knowledge that shapes who we are.

Free; no tickets required.

Fall 2024 Gallery Hours