Virgil Ortiz

"I AM" (Indigenous Ancestral Memory)

Featuring renowned Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz and an in-depth look at the enduring traditions of the Catawba Nation. These exhibitions invite visitors to immerse themselves in Indigenous history, storytelling, and cultural resilience through contemporary and traditional artistic expressions.

Virgil Ortiz continues his groundbreaking REVOLT 1680/2180 saga at HMA with a brand-new chapter. Drawing inspiration from the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, Ortiz brings the story to life through immersive projection and sound, augmented reality, traditional Cochiti pottery, and monumental contemporary sculptures. Merging apocalyptic themes, science fiction, and Pueblo history, Ortiz presents 19 groups of characters that represent the 19 Pueblos that still remain today. HMA’s storyline highlights Tahu, leader of the Blind Archers, a striking figure that embodies the strength, power, and resilience of Pueblo women. This exhibition encourages repeat visits as guests engage with the story and meet the characters.

Ortiz partnered with textile manufacturer Valdese Weavers to create a fabric design that beautifully embodies his distinct artistic style. This collaboration resulted in a vibrant and culturally rich textile pattern, which will adorn furniture designed by Wesley Hall. The fusion of Ortiz's bold, traditional motifs with the sleek, modern design of the tulip chair creates a striking contrast, blending the artistry of the past with contemporary craftsmanship. This project not only celebrates Ortiz's cultural heritage but also highlights the innovative intersection of indigenous art and modern design aesthetics along with Hickory’s furniture tradition and history.

Catawba Nation pottery is the oldest continuously practiced traditional art form found east of the Mississippi River. An unbroken chain of pottery traditions has helped preserve their cultural identity. Utilizing clay dug near the Catawba River, Catawba artisans continue production methods that have remained largely unchanged for over 6,000 years and tradition played a key role in preserving the cultural identity of the Catawba. Visitors will experience 13 larger-than-life portraits of Catawba Nation members by photographer Randy Bacon, accompanied by their first-person stories. The exhibition also features Catawba pottery crafted by contemporary Nation members who continue this rich artistic heritage using traditional coiling techniques.

The Objects Gallery will highlight the distinct tradition of Catawba Valley pottery with works by artist Michael Gates in HMA’s permanent collection and from Hart Square, showcasing the region’s rich ceramic artistry and the evolution of traditional techniques in contemporary practice. The Gallery will also feature works by artists from the museum’s permanent collection, Tammy Leigh Brooks and Kim Ellington.

An opening Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 1. The evening begins in the Drendel Auditorium (in the same building as Hickory Museum of Art) where Executive Director Clarissa Starnes will outline how this project came to fruition. She will be joined on stage by special guests Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo), Artist and Indigenous Futurist; Kassidy Plyler (Catawba Nation), Cultural Public Programs Specialist, Catawba Nation, Cultural Division; and Randy Bacon, Photographer and Humanitarian. Following the program, guests at the event will have first access to view the “I AM” exhibitions. After exploring the galleries, the evening will conclude in the Drendel Auditorium with the premiere screening of Virgil Ortiz’s latest short film.