Celebrating the Influential Legacy of Jaune Quick-to-See
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: A Remarkable Legacy
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation), who recently passed away at 85, was a well-known artist, activist, curator, and educator. Born on the Flathead Reservation in Montana in 1940, she began sketching animals as a child, sparking a lifelong passion for art and education. Over six decades, she became a leading artist, bringing Native American art and perspectives into important discussions about land, social justice, history, and culture.
A Transformative Retrospective
From February 29 to May 12, 2024, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) presented Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: Memory Map, Smith’s largest retrospective. This was the only West Coast venue and the final stop of a tour organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, and curated by Laura Phipps. Theresa Papanikolas, SAM’s Ann M. Barwick Curator of American Art, shared her experience of working with Smith to bring the exhibition to SAM.
Behind the Scenes: Curator Theresa Papanikolas Reflects
Papanikolas considered it an honor to collaborate with Smith on Memory Map. As an American art specialist, she valued Smith's unique perspective on American art and history seen through an Indigenous lens. Immersing herself in Smith's works was transformative, revealing layers that prompted new understandings of contemporary issues, from climate change to landscape painting and global geopolitics. She found it especially rewarding to see how these realizations impacted visitors. Honestly, that kind of impact is what museums should be striving for.
“I'll never forget the energy that filled the room when Smith, together with fellow artist Neal Ambrose-Smith and curator Laura Phipps, presented their exhibition insights to our members. It created a lasting connection that resonates deeply,” she said, highlighting Smith's connection with the SAM community.
Smith’s Reflections: A Closer Look
While in Seattle for the Memory Map exhibition, Smith and her son, artist Neal Ambrose-Smith, shared their thoughts on her work and experiences in a video series on SAM’s YouTube channel. These videos highlight her commitment to educating and inspiring others through her art.
Remembering Jaune: Insights from SAM’s Curator of Native American Art
Barbara Brotherton, SAM's former Curator of Native American Art from 2001 to 2022, shared her perspective on Smith’s impact: “As family and friends honor her memory, it's important to recognize her courage and kindness. Jaune shattered glass ceilings, not by marginalizing others, but by uplifting them. Understanding the strength in numbers, she encouraged collaboration among Native artists, organizing exhibitions when opportunities were scarce.”
Brotherton emphasized Smith’s dedication to advocating for Native artists, convincing curators and galleries to support and promote Indigenous talent. Like Chief Seattle, Jaune acted as a diplomat and community leader, advocating for ancestral lands, social justice, and sustainability.
Exploring the Themes in Her Art
Smith’s art intricately weaves narratives that confront the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. Through paintings, prints, collages, and sculptures, she sheds light on issues like racism, genocide, and environmental concerns. By incorporating canoes, maps, and figures from Native oral histories, her artwork protests and invites engagement with these critical topics.
The Enduring Influence
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s legacy goes beyond her artworks. It highlights the importance of dialogue and recognition of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary art. Her visionary approach has enriched the cultural scene and paved the way for future generations of Indigenous artists.
Smith’s work continues to evoke conversation and reflection, reminding us of the power of art as a tool for social change and cultural preservation. Reviews and critiques offer valuable insights, but seeing her art in person is a unique experience.
The Power of Art and Perspective
During the collaborative journey to present Memory Map, Papanikolas said it was a true honor to engage with Smith. As a specialist in American art, she deeply appreciated how Smith reframed American art and history through an Indigenous lens. Immersing herself in Smith's works was transformative, revealing layers that prompted new understandings of contemporary issues, from climate change to the intricacies of landscape painting and global geopolitics. Witnessing the impact of these realizations on exhibition visitors was especially gratifying.
She was a catalyst for change, advocating for ancestral lands, social justice, and sustainability. Her commitment to these causes earned her respect and admiration from artists and activists alike.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Smith’s art intricately weaves narratives that confront the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. Through her diverse mediums—paintings, prints, collages, and sculptures—she sheds light on issues such as racism, genocide, and environmental concerns. By incorporating elements like canoes, maps, and figures from Native oral histories, her artwork is both a platform for protest and an invitation to engage with these critical topics.
Her work invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, fostering dialogue and promoting understanding. It challenges conventional narratives and encourages reflection on the complexities of history and identity.
In Conclusion
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s legacy as an artist and activist has shaped the art community and broader social dialogues. Her contributions remind us of the importance of inclusivity and representation.
Smith’s work is proof of the power of art to inspire change. Her dedication to social justice and cultural preservation has left an enduring mark. By engaging with her art, we can deepen our understanding of Indigenous perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive world. If you get a chance to see her work, take it.
