Eiteljorg Presents Contemporary Native Art

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A new exhibit was unveiled at the Eiteljorg Museum on Nov. 16, featuring Native American contemporary art. “Blurring the Line” features artists such as Rita Letendre, Hannah Claus and Matthew Kirk showing modern art influenced by their native culture.

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"Impact II" by Rita Letendre


A piece, “Impact II” by Rita Letendre, caught the attention of a touring group from American Studies 101 - Investigating the West. Emma Thomas, a student in the class, gave an analysis of the work.

“Even though it's monochromatic, it shows life without using color,” Thomas said, “It's the use of light and shadow, a sense of water.” 

Professor Owen Dwyer led the group discussion on the work and brought students into the discussion about the piece. 

“It's a suspension of disbelief, suspension of purpose,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer also talked about the American Studies 101 course, and the mix of personalities, majors, and aspirations within the group.

“It [the course] merges multiple students, both art and science,” Dwyer said.

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Artwork by Rita Letendre


American Studies 101 students also have an event planned for IUPUI on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., showcasing student’s photographs of nature and their surrounding environment. The event will be held in Cavanaugh 508, and all are welcome to attend. 

Another visitor from IUPUI, Luba Halicki, was in the exhibit leading a group. 

“It's a gift to the city that we get to see contemporary Native American art...it keeps Indianapolis connected,” Halicki said. 

A piece on display, “water song”, showcased the Wabash and Mississinewa

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"water song" by Hannah Claus and Scott M. Shoemaker


Rivers of the Miami region through hanging threads. Created through digital imagery printed on acetate film, the installation shows the progression from the blue sky to the muddy, roaring river.

Halicki was at the unveiling of the exhibit Nov. 16 and noticed the effect that the large crowd had on the movement of the display.

“We all have our own effect on nature, you step into water and you create a ripple,” Halicki said about the experience. 

The exhibit will be on display from Nov. 16 - Feb. 2, and IUPUI students get in free with their Crimson Card.

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