I am certainly not alone in feeling that their idea of the American identity has changed drastically in recent years. The “American Dream” has proved itself to be as fanciful as the name suggests. It simply never existed for the majority of Americans. Even the American flag, at one time unifying, has been so thoroughly tainted by the racist, fascist, far-right nationalists that it inspires more hatred than harmony. But, a hopeful, progressive American identity can still be found at “It Can Be Said of Them,” the newest solo exhibition by Jeffrey Gibson.

Throughout his career, Jeffrey Gibson uses his art to explore his identity as gay man of Choctaw and Cherokee heritages, particularly in relation to the broader American identity. Principally, Gibson utilizes bold geometric patterns, traditional Native American craft materials such as beads, precious stones, and fringe, and a Post-Modern use of language to challenge ideas of gender roles and heteronormativity.

The mixing of material and meaning shines with the pair of punching bags suspended in the main hall. With them, Gibson transforms traditionally masculine objects into brilliant, beaded works, labeled with declamatory statements like “CAN THEY SHE HE DO IT? YES WE CAN!” The fusing of stereotypically masculine and feminine activities (boxing and bead craft), adorned with the gender-inclusive rallying cry, presents a powerful, progressive perspective of identity and unity.

Alongside these inspiring rallies, Gibson also recognizes our current cultural crossroads in the hanging bead tapestry, ONE FOOT IN GLORY, ONE FOOT IN HELL. This work again uses Gibson’s customary bright colors and strong geometric patterns and is roughly the size and shape of a flag. It is a new banner to unify under in a time that feels on the edge of immense progress or imminent disaster.

Finally, we come to the paper works, which are some of the strongest and most historically conscious in the show. These collages mix abstract fields of color with advertising, propaganda, and other material surrounding Native American experience throughout the 19th and 20th century. They describe a history that is not at all distant from today and reflect that the histories we’ve been taught are seldom the whole truth.

Roberts Projects
5801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
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