Truman Lowe (Ho-Chunk, 1944–2019), Feather Canoe, ca. 1993. Peeled willow saplings, feathers, copper wire, 22 x 74 x 12 in. (41/6541)
Water’s Edge is the first major retrospective of the acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist. Lowe’s elegant, minimalist sculptures made of willow branches, feathers, and other organic materials evoke the rivers, streams, and waterfalls of the Wisconsin woodlands where he was raised and the canoes used to traverse them. His sculptures and sensitively rendered pastel and charcoal drawings reflect on cultural traditions, memory, and human relationships to place. Water’s Edge features 50 of Lowe’s sculptures, drawings, and paintings that explore the evolution of and themes within the artist’s work throughout his career. The exhibition brings to light rarely seen monumental works, significant pieces from public and private collections, including 28 from the National Museum of the American Indian’s collection. A companion catalogue offers a range of new perspectives, chronicling the artist’s life and development of his work with scholarly essays and reflections by artists whose work has been impacted by Lowe.
