Jeffrey Gibson Makes History at Venice Biennale, Set for Paris Show
Jeffrey Gibson, a renowned Indigenous artist, is making waves in the art world. Born in 1972 to Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, Gibson's unique blend of Powwow regalia with punk and rave culture has earned him a solo show at the Venice Biennale in 2024, a first for an Indigenous US artist.
Gibson's artistic journey began under his mother's tutelage, a Cherokee beadwork artist. He later honed his skills at the Art Institute of Chicago. His works span various mediums, including bedazzled punching bags, modernist paintings on rawhide, ceramics, flags, and sequined cloaks adorned with song lyrics.
His upcoming 22-piece collection at Hauser & Wirth, coinciding with Art Basel Paris, showcases his signature style. Gibson's paintings use layers of transparent washes, inspired by the 'psycho-prismatic' concept. He often incorporates flashing screens, jingle dresses, and op-art patterns to evoke multisensory experiences.
Gibson's childhood was marked by frequent moves between states and countries, including West Germany and South Korea. Despite nearly abandoning art due to financial struggles in his 40s, he persevered. Today, he resides in a transformed 14,000 sq ft schoolhouse in the Hudson Valley, upstate New York, serving as his unique atelier.
Jeffrey Gibson's art is a vibrant fusion of Indigenous heritage and contemporary culture. His upcoming show at Hauser & Wirth and his historic Venice Biennale solo show are testament to his unique vision and significant contribution to the art world.
