Last night, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the opening celebration of Emerging Current: Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship 2025, and the experience was nothing short of moving. From the moment we stepped into the gallery, the atmosphere carried a sense of reflection and connection. Each piece felt alive — a pulse of creativity, emotion, and storytelling that filled every corner of the museum.
Every work is special in its own way. Together, they form an exhibition that challenges, comforts, and invites visitors to engage deeply with questions of identity, tradition, and transformation. It’s not just an art show — it’s a living dialogue between cultures, materials, and perspectives.
This year’s fellowship brings together five extraordinary artists whose work redefines what Indigenous and First Nations art means today — blending ancestral narratives with contemporary experimentation.
Jean LaMarr (Northern Paiute / Achomawi [Pit River]) — The invited artist for 2025, LaMarr’s practice spans printmaking, painting, murals, assemblages, and installations. Her art challenges stereotypes of Native women and explores environmental justice through cultural traditions and lived experience.
John Feodorov (Navajo [Diné]) — Based in Seattle, Feodorov combines painting, sculpture, and video performance to question identity, spirituality, and the commodification of culture in modern society. His surreal imagery reveals layered meanings and social commentary.
Erin Ggaadimits Ivalu Gingrich (Koyukon Dené / Iñupiaq) — From Alaska, Gingrich creates carved, painted, and beaded sculptures alongside photography, film, and poetry. Her work honors Arctic and Subarctic heritage while connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary narratives.
Maria Hupfield (Wasauksing First Nation [Anishinaabe]) — A Toronto-based artist who works through performance, sculpture, and installation. Hupfield explores Indigenous storytelling, memory, and the body, transforming materials into spaces of dialogue and movement.
Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan / Hidatsa / Arikara / Lakota) — Known for his large-scale installations and performative works, Luger merges science fiction, community identity, and Indigenous futurism to present bold narratives that engage audiences beyond the gallery walls.
Together, these five artists create a visual and emotional experience that is immersive, powerful, and current — each voice distinct yet connected by a shared spirit of innovation and cultural continuity.
Walking through the exhibition during the opening event, we felt an overwhelming sense of presence. The lighting, the sounds, and the conversations unfolding in the space created an atmosphere of genuine curiosity and respect. Each work seemed to invite dialogue — not just between artist and viewer, but between generations and worlds.
Some installations felt like whispers of memory; others roared with energy and defiance. In every case, you could sense the artists’ connection to place, identity, and storytelling — a continuity that feels essential to understanding the world we live in today.
Cultural Relevance: These artists are shaping the future of Indigenous art by reimagining traditions through modern perspectives.
Multimedia Impact: Expect to see everything from sculpture and video to performance and mixed-media installations.
Emotional Connection: Each piece speaks differently to each viewer — some quietly, some powerfully — but all meaningfully.
Local Significance: The Eiteljorg Museum remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ art scene, consistently celebrating voices that matter.
📍 Location: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN
🗓️ Dates: Now open — on view from November 8, 2025 through February 22, 2026
💬 Tip: Visit during quieter hours or weekdays to take your time — this exhibition rewards slow looking and open reflection.
“Emerging Current” is more than an exhibition — it’s an experience of connection, creativity, and conversation. Each work reminds us that art has the power to bridge time, culture, and perspective.
If you live in or around Indianapolis, this is a must-see. Every piece holds something special, and you’ll leave with a sense of gratitude and awe — much like we did after last night’s celebration.
✨ Don’t miss it. “Emerging Current” runs now through February 22, 2026 at the Eiteljorg Museum.
Photos by We Lie Indy Team
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