In the midst of a tumultuous political climate, artist Rosy Simas offers a sanctuary for reflection and peace. Her exhibition, “A:gajë:gwah dësa’nigöwë:nye:’” (I hope it will stir your mind), is a contemplative installation that invites viewers to slow down and find solace amidst chaos.
Simas’ work is deeply rooted in her Haudenosaunee heritage, drawing inspiration from her fifth great-grandfather’s half-brother, Handsome Lake (Ganyodaiyo’), who advocated for a “good mind” philosophy after years of war. The installation features salt bottles crafted from woven corn husks, each honoring a relative, and treaty cloth panels that encourage visitors to engage with the space in a counterclockwise motion, a nod to Haudenosaunee tradition.
Creating a Sanctuary in Turbulent Times
The timing of the exhibition’s opening, coinciding with the announcement of the end of Operation Metro Surge, a federal operation targeting immigrant communities, is significant. Simas acknowledges the difficulty of gathering people during such an oppressive occupation, yet emphasizes the importance of providing a space for individuals to find peace and connect with themselves.
The Challenge of Static Exhibitions
For Simas, creating work for a museum gallery presents a unique challenge. She prefers an iterative process, adapting her work to the changing environment. The static nature of exhibitions is a departure from her usual practice, which often involves concurrent installation exhibitions and performances. To address this, Simas has incorporated community engagement activities and a two-part project, with performances scheduled for May.
The Choreography of Participation
Hyperallergic notes the exhibition’s invitation to viewers to actively engage with the space, almost like a choreographed experience. Simas confirms this intentional design, explaining how the counterclockwise movement mirrors Haudenosaunee traditions and her own background as a body-based moving artist. The grid structure of the corn husk panels reflects her thinking as a theater artist, creating a unique spatial experience.
Visibility and Suppressed Voices
Simas highlights the importance of creating a space for Native, BIPOC, and queer voices, which are often suppressed in the current political climate. She speaks to the impact of the recent occupation, with some individuals unable to leave their homes or continue their work due to feelings of paralysis. Simas herself has experienced moments of paralysis, and her work aims to provide a much-needed space for reflection and expression during these challenging times.
A Personal Reflection
While Simas may not explicitly describe her exhibition as “sacred,” the feeling it evokes in viewers is a testament to its impact. Her focus on creating a space that responds to the needs of the present moment is a powerful statement. As an artist, she adapts her work to the environment, ensuring that it resonates with the experiences of those living through these turbulent times.
In a world often characterized by chaos and division, Simas’ exhibition offers a much-needed sanctuary, a place where individuals can find peace, connect with their heritage, and perhaps most importantly, with themselves.
