What does it mean to be "indigenous" to a place? What is the impact of colonization, both on the colonizer and the colonized? How is this manifested in a visual art exhibit?

Dimensions of Indigenous is an annual visual arts exhibition that features the work of Indigenous artists whose work demonstrates involvement in, and knowledge of decolonization, building cultural identity, and resisting further colonization of any kind. We define Indigenous as anyone who considers themselves to be indigenous to their homeland, and who acknowledges that colonization occurred there. Curated by Sarah Sarzoza and Rebekah Crisanta.
 

FEATURED ARTISTS
Ashley Anderson
Xilam Balam
Marconi Calindas
Pritika Chowdhry
Beverly Cottman
Gordon Coons
Rebekah Crisanta
Zamara Cuyun
Cynthia Holmes
Ona Knoxsah
Michelle LaGarde
Avigail Manneberg
Nicole Stately
Valentin Strong
Bobby Wilson
Laura Youngbird
Westside St. Paul Youth/Arte Azteka led by Rebekah Crisanta
Cristina & Benjamin Neubauer, Diana, Frida & Elizabeth
 

ABOUT THE CURATORS

Sarah Sarzoza hails from St Paul, MN.  Even with miles and generations between her and Mexico she has always felt a deep connection to her raíces indígenas.  As a social justice community organizer, she has worked with issues of racial equity with a niche in youth work. Sarah is currently exploring traditional Mexican healing as a compliment to her new career as a yoga instructor.  As an artist, Sarah is thrilled to discover another tool for creating change in her new found passion for photography. She is drawn to imagery that brightly expresses her spirit as a Chicana.  She hopes to keep discovering new mediums to express her desire to reclaim her indigenous history as she journeys through life.  A past contributing artist to Dmensions of Indigenous she is honored to be included behind the scenes this year.

Rebekah Crisanta is a recognized indigenous member of the Xinka-Lenca tribe of El Salvador. She is a contemporary folk artist, traditional Mexica dancer, and mother. Her visual and often installation work includes many traditional techniques such as glyphic storytelling, papel picado, sugar skull making, wood and stone carving, and most recently backstrap weaving. Whatever the form, her work always includes vibrant color, texture, found objects, and indigenous storytelling. Rebekah currently contracts with Neighborhood House in St. Paul as a teaching artist delivering culturally relevant art to Westside Latin@/indigenous youth.