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Celebrating Indigenous Brilliance: A Bold Exploration of Identity and Futurism
Santa Fe, NM — 4KINSHIP's Indigenous Futures 4EVER, a Diné-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities, proudly presents an innovative new exhibition, WHAT SETS US APART: Exploring Indigenous Identity and Futurism. This groundbreaking showcase features the work of six trailblazing Indigenous artists whose visionary storytelling challenges tradition and redefines cultural narratives.
Opening at the renowned CONTAINER Gallery in Santa Fe, this vibrant exhibition spotlights modern mediums, unapologetic perspectives, and bold social commentary. Themes of queer representation, inclusivity, sustainability, and the rich diversity within Indigenous communities take center stage, illustrating the powerful resilience and creativity of these artists.
Through contemporary techniques and dynamic artistry, these creators are forging a new language for how we see the world—one that honors community values, celebrates culture, and inspires the future. By breaking free from stereotypes and redefining expectations, their work serves as a platform for critical conversations about identity, representation, and progress.
"At Indigenous Futures 4EVER, we strive to create pathways for the next generation," says Amy Denet Deal, founder of 4KINSHIP. "This exhibition embodies our mission to empower Indigenous brilliance and create opportunities for all our relatives to thrive."
The CONTAINER Gallery, long celebrated for its commitment to contemporary Indigenous art, provides the perfect backdrop for this inspiring event. Visitors are invited to experience the transformative power of art, explore the stories of these trailblazing creators, and join in celebrating their unique contributions to the world of contemporary art and beyond.
EVAN BENALLY ATWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHER
RAVEN BRIGHT | PERFORMANCE ARTIST
AMY DENET DEAL | FOUNDER 4KINSHIP & DINÉ SKATE GARDEN PROJECT
NATE LEMUEL | PHOTOGRAPHER
JOSH TAFOYA | FASHION DESIGNER
JENNIFER YOUNGER | DESIGNER
Evan Benally Atwood is a transdisciplinary Diné artist from the 4 corners currently living in the PNW, working with sound, color, and light. They aim to uplift and empower their queer kin, often using self portraiture, honoring the feminine and masculine, land and sky.
A Diné contemporary artist, Raven is deeply rooted in Breaking and Hip-Hop culture, he seamlessly blends the knowledge and skills drawn from his heritage and community to express himself through dance. Of Diné and Irish descent, Raven grew up in Gallup, NM, and rediscovered his cultural roots through the art of movement. As a member of the Dibéłizhiní (Black Sheep Clan) of the Diné people, his dance creates meaningful connections to land, culture, and community.
4KINSHIP is a vibrant and sustainable artwear brand, led by Amy Denet Deal, a proud Diné (Navajo) founder. With a deep respect for her Indigenous culture and heritage, 4KINSHIP seamlessly blends the realms of art, fashion, and creativity in captivating ways. Through their exceptional designs and innovative pursuits, the brand not only celebrates Indigenous creativity but also strives to empower the next generation.
Nate Lemuel is a Diné photographer from Shiprock, New Mexico. Nate's work draws inspiration from his Navajo upbringing, emphasizing a deep connection to the environment and a limitless sense of time and space. Their work blends emotion and futurism, creating visuals that invite viewers to experience a unique reality where time and space exist in another world.
Josh Tafoya is a designer and weaver from the American Southwest. His work explores Indigenous identity within the Hispanic and Latino community, drawing from his Genízaro, Spanish, and Chicano roots. Blending Rio Grande weaving with New York design, his pieces challenge dominant narratives and reimagine the “Southwestern” look through a brown lens—bold, raw, and rooted in culture.
Raised in the Southeast Alaska town of Yakutat, Jennifer was surrounded by nature and traditional ways of life. Jennifer is Tlingit of the Eagle Kaagwaantaan clan and now calls Sitka, Alaska home. Jennifer draws inspiration from traditional Tlingit formline designs, historic artifacts, spruce root basket weaving patterns, and from the contrast and texture of metals. Jennifer strives to continuously push the boundaries of her medium.
