Semester Long Show “Edward S. Curtis: Photogravures from The North American Indian”

By Kyle Lawson

“Edward S. Curtis: Photogravures from The North American Indian” will be on display in the Schmucker Art Gallery until December 5th. In a break from past years this will be the only main show for the fall semester. A small enclosed space created over the summer will feature rotating exhibits featuring art from the College collections and work by students and faculty.

The photographs that form the main exhibit are part of a monumental project undertaken by Edward Curtis to document “every phase of Indian life of all tribes yet in a primitive condition.” From 1907 to 1930 twenty volumes were produced which were sold as a series to private collectors, museums, and libraries. These volumes included portfolios of photographs and smaller accompanying volumes which detailed Native American traditions, language, mythology, and history.

The photogravures on display reflect Curtis’s changing style during his project. Early photogravures focused on the idea that due to assimilation and the idea that the “Old West” was vanishing so were Native Americans. Therefore it was essential to document these tribes now, before they disappeared. This attitude would change in the coming years. With the introduction of modern European art into America the photogravures changed to reflect the “modernist primitivism” seen in European art. Where Europe could look to Africa America could look to the Indians. A third phase was a promotion of Native American culture as seen in the depictions of various dances and artistic traditions. In addition to the photogravures a movie that Curtis made titled “In the Land of the Head Hunters” is played continuously. Stills from the movie were included in the tenth installment of the series.

This exhibit is certainly worth seeing. The photogravures are quite beautiful with added descriptions detailing their connection to European trends. Curtis staged his photos and their connection with examples of European artists and modern art movements is fascinating. The movie is interesting if only because it provides a look at what early twentieth century Americans imagined Indian life was like before the European.