Silent Beauty

Contemplating on ‘Infinity of Nations Exhibit’
By Marina Rybak

November is a Native American Heritage Month according to the Smithsonian and it is dedicated to honoring the Native peoples of the Americas. Marked by various artistic and cultural events throughout the month in the DC and NY branches of the National Museum, the celebration culminates with the Art Market on November 30th and December 1st.

Infinity of Nations exhibit narrates the story of the indigenous communities of the Western hemisphere from the earliest times to the present, and the objects of the historical, cultural and aesthetic importance are on view.

The collection is housed in the Alexander Hamilton U.S.Custom House, the Beaux-Arts jewel, located at the southern tip of Manhattan next to Battery Park. This freshly restored National Historic Landmark merits its own visit just to enjoy and be inspired by its intimate grace and architectural majesty. Not too many New Yorkers know about the building and the treasures it preserves.

As a knowledge seeker I was drawn to see the collection again. I focused on the delicate detail of beaded embroideries, healing colors, patterns, textures, marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship.  I also wanted to make a personal connection with the objects, which miraculously reached us. Sharing the journey, their silent beauty spoke loudly, rising above the depth of the unspoken history, planting the creative seed and stirring my imagination.

For further details here is the link to the collection:http://nmai.si.edu/exhibitions/infinityofnations/

And for the Metropolitan dwellers – if you are interested to know more about the artistic and the cultural legacy of the indigenous communities of the tri-state area check out Brooklyn-based Redhawk Native American Arts Council. http://redhawkcouncil.org/