Postcommodity

Definition

Postcommodity is a collective of Indigenous artists known for their innovative and multidisciplinary approach to art that addresses contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities. Their work often combines elements of visual art, sound, and performance, while exploring themes such as identity, colonialism, and the environment. Postcommodity seeks to challenge mainstream narratives and create dialogue around the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Postcommodity was founded in 2012 and is made up of members from different Indigenous backgrounds, including Apache and Lakota heritage.
2. The collective is known for their provocative installations, like 'Repellent Fence,' which consisted of a large-scale fence structure spanning the US-Mexico border, highlighting issues of migration and border politics.
3. Their work often incorporates soundscapes that reflect Indigenous cultural practices and address contemporary social issues.
4. Postcommodity aims to create art that is accessible and engaging for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences, fostering understanding and dialogue.
5. The collective has received recognition for its contributions to contemporary art, participating in major exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and Documenta.

Review Questions

• How does Postcommodity's approach to art differ from traditional Indigenous artistic practices?
  • Postcommodity's approach blends traditional Indigenous practices with contemporary mediums, creating a unique form of expression that reflects current social issues. Unlike some traditional practices that may focus solely on cultural representation, Postcommodity engages with themes like colonialism and environmental concerns in innovative ways. Their multidisciplinary works challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions of Indigenous art and culture in a modern context.
• Discuss the significance of the 'Repellent Fence' installation created by Postcommodity in relation to border politics.
  • 'Repellent Fence' is significant as it physically embodies the complexities surrounding migration and border politics. By constructing a fence along the US-Mexico border, Postcommodity critiques the notion of borders while simultaneously emphasizing shared identities between communities on either side. The installation challenges viewers to confront their assumptions about migration, identity, and the impact of colonial histories on present-day realities.
• Evaluate how Postcommodity's work contributes to decolonization efforts within contemporary Indigenous art discourse.
  • Postcommodity's work plays a crucial role in decolonization by actively challenging dominant narratives about Indigenous peoples through innovative artistic expressions. By engaging with themes of identity and colonialism while incorporating diverse media, they foster critical conversations about cultural revitalization and self-determination. Their contributions help redefine what Indigenous art can be in today's world, encouraging both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences to reflect on their roles in this ongoing process of decolonization.

Related terms

Indigenous Futurism: A cultural movement that imagines a future shaped by Indigenous perspectives, integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary technology and art.

Decolonization:

The process of undoing the legacy of colonialism, aiming to reclaim and revitalize Indigenous cultures, languages, and identities.

Site-Specific Art: Art created to exist in a certain place, often responding to the surrounding environment or community, making the location integral to the artwork's meaning.