Reservation Debutante by Jay Benham

Join the museum on April 30th at 6:00 PM for the unveiling of Jay Benham’s Reservation Debutante, a contemporary Kiowa ledger art installation. This reception will bring Jay Benham’s artwork (pictured below) to life, and depict the three major aspects of Ledger Art in real-time: Narrative, Spirituality, and Record-Keeping.

What to expect - a vignette of theater with actress Gaby Nagel bringing to life Jay Benham’s painting Reservation Debutante. There will be a brief introduction prior to the performance and afterward Jay will lead a discussion with a Q & A session followed by a repeat performance.

During the development of this short film, I’ve had pause to re-examine my approach to art. I realize that my oeuvre, which has included two-dimensional paintings that hold a particular narrative supported by a written story, no longer suffice. I will network a relation of connections to Native communities that will allow me to visualize a new scope for future projects. I will refer to this new approach as Contemporary Ledger Art Installation. The plan is to utilize the community of Native Artists to set a new scenario of Ledger Art in three dimensions. The setup is a scenario of models, dancers, and actors to act out a story in real time. Each scene tells a story. In each scene the actors will be painted (clothes, faces, hair), as well as stage walls, floor, and furniture. The actors act out the scene utilizing music, dance, script, and dialogue. The scope of this project is designed to elevate the traditional ledger art story told on a new level. I am committed to the success of this art installation project

- Jay Benham

ARTIST STATEMENT: JAY BENHAM

There is a need for increased dialogue regarding Native Americans status. Information we have received since birth from movies, television, the media, and school lessons has created a false narrative about historical and contemporary Native Americans.

What the general population perceives is rooted in myths and stereotypes. In my art I strived to tell the Indigenous Peoples story by empowering the message through structured images and narratives. Art that honors and preserves our cultural, heritage, and traditions.

Narrative change is necessary today. Without it, we remain erased, invisible, out of sight, and mind. With it, we gain visibility, contemporary understanding, and respect. My projects tell of the need to demonstrate for a positive influence in the community. Structurally this new ledger art will give the Native Voice a platform for a community voice.

I attempt to illustrate this transition time from the Old Order to the New Order and how, with success or failure, with grief or with humor, with loss and inheritance this gulf, was bridged.