Ripples. Through a Wampanoag Lens

Elizabeth James-Perry
This exhibition was a look back, a look at the present, and a look at the future.

Through local, indigenous, contemporary art, this exhibition conceptualized the significance of 2020 quadricentennial from a native perspective, it highlighted native community connections to the living environment and ocean especially around the New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard areas and it emphasized changes that indigenous and non-indigenous New Englanders adapted to and are adapting to.

The exhibition featured a rich, festive-looking combination of natural Indigenous materials which are local, sustainable, and non-toxic. Additionally, the artist utilized organic colors, fine textures, and shapes one can achieve in woven wampum, woven quill jewelry and scrimshaw pieces (designed by the artist’s brother and mother, who are also artists), and more.