Niimiwin (Everyone Dance) curated by ECI Fellow Josie Hoffman

Niimiwin (Everyone Dance)
Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding (I Recently Returned Home from a Powwow)

All My Relations Arts, Emerging Curators Institute and the Native American Community Development Institute are pleased to present
Niimiwin: Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding curated by 2023-2024 Emerging Curators Fellow, Josie Hoffman.  

Niimiwin is a dynamic multimedia exhibition that explores the profound relationship between movement and identity within contemporary Indigenous art. Inspired by the vibrant traditions of dance and powwow, this showcase features a diverse array of Minnesota-based Indigenous artists whose work delves into the theme of kinetic movement—both in its physical form and its metaphorical resonance. Niimiwin, which translates to “Everyone Dance” in Anishinaabemowin, explores how movement manifests within our bodies, our connection to the land, and our relationships within the community. The Anishinaabemowin phrase, Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding(“I recently returned home from a powwow”), evokes the feeling of community and connection shared from participating in the vibrancy and celebration of a powwow. This exhibition invites you to experience the dynamic interplay of material, process, and result as artists from various disciplines—ranging from ceramics and photography to powwow singing and beyond—embody the essence of kinetic energy in their creations.

Through their unique approaches and perspectives, the featured artists weave together narratives that highlight the fluidity and vibrancy of movement. Whether through the movement within their process, the visual impact of imagery, or the rhythmic patterns of sound, each piece in Niimiwin captures the vitality of movement as it intersects with cultural identity and relationships.

Featured artists: Adrienne Benjamin, Courtney Cochran, Chanelle Gallagher, Michael Kurtz, Courtney M. Leonard, and the Stonebridge Singers

On view: November 7th, 2024 – January 18th, 2025
Opening reception: Thursday, November 7th, 6-8pm
Additional programming: TBD

About the curatorial process:
Niimiwin: Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding is the culmination of Josie’s curatorial fellowship with Emerging Curators Institute, reflecting her commitment to amplifying diverse Indigenous voices and narratives in the art world. 

As a 2023-24 ECI Fellow, Josie participated in a dynamic 10-month learning cycle that involved monthly cohort gatherings, site visits to local museums & galleries, and engaging in dialogues with national curators; leading to dedicated time to manifesting this exhibition within various meetings, studio visits and administrative work. Josie was paired with mentor Angela Two Stars, a curator, award-winning artist, and Director of All My Relations Arts. Josie was mentored by Angela throughout the fellowship and further supported in developing this culminating exhibition by Barak adé Soleil, Director of ECI.

Image credit: Left to right: Anangookwe (Darcie Big Bear), Amikogaabawiikwe (Adrienne Benjamin), Bizhiwens (Taliya Benjamin), Niigaanigiizhigookwe (Kim Big Bear). Jingle Dress maker: Amikogaabawiikwe (Adrienne Benjamin).