Revision and Resistance

Kent Monkman (b. 1965) is Canada's most important and influential contemporary artist. His epic diptych commission for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Great Hall is a historic moment, both for Monkman's career and for spotlighting Indigenous and Canadian art on the international stage. A Cree two-spirited artist, Monkman confronts themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, and resilience. Referencing iconic artworks in the Met's permanent collection mistikôsiwak (Wooden Boat People) challenges the flawed representations of Indigenous peoples that exist in many museums and galleries. Contributions include interviews and essays by Dr. Sasha Suda, Director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada; professors and art historians Dr. Ruth B. Phillips and Dr. Mark Salber Phillips; Dr. Jami Powell, Associate Curator of Native American Art at the Hood Museum; Shirley Madill, Executive Director at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery; and author and professor Dr. Nick Estes.