Question

Two of the four common themes running through Contemporary Native art, as identified by Berlo and Phillips, are

Answer 1

Two of the four common themes running through contemporary Native art, as identified by Berlo and Phillips, are:

1. **Cultural Continuity and Renewal:** Artists often seek to preserve and revitalize traditional Indigenous cultures, exploring ways to maintain a sense of identity and connection to their heritage.

2. **Colonial Histories and Resistance:** Many artworks address the historical impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and express resistance to assimilation. This theme often reflects the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and their ongoing efforts to reclaim and assert their cultural identity.

Answer 2

Contemporary Native art often incorporates traditional cultural themes into new forms while addressing modern socio-economic and environmental challenges. Efforts to revive and preserve Indigenous art involve educational programs and inclusion in contemporary art museums.

Step-by-step explanation:

Two common themes identified by Berlo and Phillips in Contemporary Native art are the integration of past traditions and cultures into new artistic expressions, and the commentary on the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by modern Indigenous populations. The involvement of ancestral connections, social conditions, and colonial histories contribute to creating artwork that is deeply rooted in tradition while engaging with modern practices and issues. Indigenous metaphysical concepts, such as the interconnectivity and balance within nature, are sometimes integrated into this art, revealing a worldview where everything is considered animate and interactive. Artists like Nicholas Galanin work to revive and redefine cultural expressions through contemporary mediums, addressing the appropriation and ongoing struggle for recognition and equality in the process.

Unfortunately, historic practices like the placement of Native children in boarding schools to assimilate them into white culture resulted in the loss of art and culture for generations. Today, efforts to counter this loss include classes and apprenticeships offered by tribes to teach traditional arts and philosophies. Museums are beginning to incorporate contemporary Indigenous art alongside traditional pieces, reflecting a broader understanding of the importance and relevance of this work in the current art landscape.