From Then to Now: Northwest Coast Art and the Future Ahead
From Then to Now: Northwest Coast Art and the Future Ahead
Northwest Coast (NWC) art evolved over several thousand years in the rich and complex Indigenous societies of the Pacific Northwest of North America. Art adorned everything from monumental structures and ceremonial regalia to basic utilitarian objects. The simplicity of the design components—elements of a system known as formline—belie the complexity and sophistication that was achieved in this two-dimensional NWC art tradition. From the earliest contact with Westerners, wood carvings, weavings, and other cultural pieces depicting NWC art were aggressively collected by museums and visitors and acclaimed as one of the most distinctive and unique art traditions in the world. Today, this ancient tradition continues to evolve through the work of contemporary NWC artists.
NWC art occupies an important position in America’s artistic traditions and cultural history. Most importantly, it plays a significant role in maintaining the cultural diversity of the nation and the cultural survival of the region’s Indigenous populations. Like jazz music, which was designated a national treasure by Congress in 1987, NWC art should be designated a national treasure of the United States.
NWC art occupies an important position in America’s artistic traditions and cultural history. Most importantly, it plays a significant role in maintaining the cultural diversity of the nation and the cultural survival of the region’s Indigenous populations. Like jazz music, which was designated a national treasure by Congress in 1987, NWC art should be designated a national treasure of the United States.
The Mission
We have a vision to make Juneau the NWC art capital, a quest that began with the construction of the Walter Soboleff Building, which is in itself a work of art and is adorned with monumental art pieces by three master indigenous artists of international acclaim. The creation of the NWC arts capital ensures the survival of NWC arts, providing untold sustainable social and economic benefits to the region and state.
SHI partners with Southeast Alaska school districts, tribes, nonprofit organizations, the University of Alaska Southeast and the Institute of American Indian Arts to carry out its art programming.
The Mission
We have a vision to make Juneau the NWC art capital, a quest that began with the construction of the Walter Soboleff Building, which is in itself a work of art and is adorned with monumental art pieces by three master indigenous artists of international acclaim. The creation of the NWC arts capital ensures the survival of NWC arts, providing untold sustainable social and economic benefits to the region and state.
SHI partners with Southeast Alaska school districts, tribes, nonprofit organizations, the University of Alaska Southeast and the Institute of American Indian Arts to carry out its art programming.
The Shortest Distance between Our Past and Our Present is a Formline
The Shortest Distance between Our Past and Our Present is a Formline.
Formlines are a fundamental element of traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous art, characterized by a distinctive curvilinear style used to create stylized representations of animals, people, and other forms. They are an essential part of the visual language of many Indigenous communities and are often used to convey stories, beliefs, and cultural values.
Using the metaphor of a “formline” as a bridge between the past and present suggests that art can serve as a powerful tool for connecting with our cultural heritage, understanding the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors, and preserving them for future generations. It also implies that art can transcend time and space, allowing us to communicate across ages and cultures in a way that words alone cannot.