MSU Broad Museum to spotlight work of Indigenous artist

TUESDAY, Feb. 8 —  An Indigenous artist will be the next featured in an exhibit at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State. 

Joseph Tisiga's installation, beginning Friday, Feb. 11, is the next in the museum's Artist Project Series. 

Tisiga’s work often raises critical questions regarding the relationship between Western and Indigenous peoples, especially in terms of land and ownership. He is a member of the Kaska Dena Nation, one of Canada’s First Nations native to the British Columbia and Yukon territories. 

Much of his pieces are paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Tisiga is well-known for art that aims to “confront and distort colonial histories and power dynamics.” Some collections of his art can be found in the National Gallery of Canada and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

“It is far too rare an opportunity to work so closely with an artist to bring a new and major work into the world, and we are thrilled to work with Joseph to do just that with his new installation,” said Steven L. Bridges, senior curator and director of curatorial affairs. 

The installation at the Broad will explore these themes with an imagined encounter between Indigenous people and colonial settlers. The idea is to use both real and simulated histories to bring the art to life, and Tisiga’s work often is based on his personal experiences.

“These are issues we continue to grapple with here at MSU and in the Mid-Michigan region in general,” Bridges said.The installation will be available for viewing at the MSU Broad Museum until July 22. The museum’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with a required ticket reservation in advance. Admission is free. MSU requires proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, to visit the museum. Masks are also mandatory.