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Exhibition: "Naalyéhé" by Dakota Mace

Event Details

Date
Friday, May 25, 2018
Time
8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Location
Porter Butts Gallery, Memorial Union
Description
WUD Art is thrilled to present "Naalyéhé" by Dakota Mace, an exhibition that features textile and beadwork inspired by traditional Navajo designs, stories, and beliefs. The UW-Madison artist states, "Diné (Navajo) culture is centered on wool, the landscape, and the concept of Hózhó (balance). Within Diné (Navajo) culture, there is a symmetry that exists within fours; four sacred mountains, four cardinal directions, four sacred colors and the Na'ashjéii Asdzáá (Spiderwoman) motif with four points. The importance of Kinetáh (land) relies on a grid to weave a sacred intersection of threads that connects Dinétah (Navajo people) through Naalyéhé (materials) and Dį́į́ʼ(four). My own work centers on this concept by essentializing certain aspects of Navajo weaving traditions and translating it through handmade paper, beadwork, and weaving.  Na'ashjéii Asdzáá (Spiderwoman) is the sacred origin of forms and symbols that exist within the process of working materials. The symmetrical designs of my work are physical representations of Hózhó (balance). This is a reminder to the way our mind and Níłch’i (spirit) weave a connection to the land that the Naalyéhé (materials) emerge from. The essence of Na'ashjéii Asdzáá (Spiderwoman) exists within each piece as it focuses on abstracting Dį́į́ʼ(four) and reinterpreting the physical representation of weaving itself. For the Dinétah (Navajo people) there is a special relationship to the land and the natural materials that it provides. My work takes the importance of natural materials by  mimicking the tones, vegetation, animal hides, and stones found within the land. It is through materials that a visual language is expressed through the calm resonance of Hózhó Nahasdlii (living within balance)." Please join us for the dual opening reception of "Naalyéhé" by Dakota Mace and "Tick, Snap, Smoke" by Ali Hval.  The dual reception will be held at both galleries on Friday, April 20th from 6-8pm. Light refreshments will be served. "Naalyéhé" will be located in Porter Butts Gallery, and will run from April 20th through June 1st.
Cost
Free