Wendy Red Star: Apsáalooke: Children of the Large-Beaked Bird
November 12, 2022 – February 26, 2023


Déaxitchish/Pretty Eagle (b.ca. 1846 – d. 1905) was a reservation-era leader who, by 1890, was recognized along with Plenty Coups as head chief of the Crow Tribe from 1886 to 1903.

Overview
Apsáalooke: Children of the Large-Beaked Bird is a traveling exhibition by multimedia artist Wendy Red Star, a member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe. Red Star’s work offers accounts of American history that rectify the frequently flawed narratives about Native people. An avid researcher, Red Star re-examines cultural artifacts and primary source historic imagery, and uses them as the foundation for her beautifully annotated photographs and installations. The Children of the Large-Beaked Bird exhibition provides an opportunity for adults and children to look at history and representation with fresh eyes. As Red Star notes: “It is critical to preserve and pass along culture, heritage, and shared values while also providing future generations with a sense of identity, solidarity, and empowerment.”

Support
Wendy Red Star Apsáalooke: Children of the Large-Beaked Bird, curated by Laura Thompson, Ed.D., was organized by MASS MoCA. Major exhibition support was provided by the W.L.S. Spencer Foundation, The Willow Tree Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, and Mass Cultural Council.
Support for the Wisconsin presentation of the exhibition has been provided by Dane Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, the Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of the Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation.