Tó éí Ííńá, Dakota Mace

 

The Alice Wilds is honored to announce the opening of Tó éí Ííńá : Dakota Mace, on view from Friday, June 4th – July 17th, 2021. Dakota Mace took a moment to reflect on the work included in this exhibition; the following is her statement and short biography.

Tó éí Ííńá translates to “water is life,” an essential aspect for all Indigenous people. It encompasses the importance of nature and recognizing Indigenous people as the original caretakers of the land that they reside on. Water is an essential part of understanding the land and preserving the history & memory it carries. Nothing can exist without water and many Indigenous communities today still struggle for access to water.

This series focuses on understanding the changes happening to waterways here in the United States and the many Indigenous people who continue to fight for its protection. Current situations such as the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline and access to clean water for over 30 tribes in the southwest are just a few examples of the ongoing fight to protect water and land. Water is an essential part of many Indigenous practices, and respect is needed for what it continues to provide for all. Each piece is a dedication to our ancestors, the land we reside on, and the memories that exist within.

Dakota Mace is a Diné (Navajo) photographer and textile artist who focuses on translating the language of Diné weaving history and beliefs through alternative photography techniques, weaving, beadwork, and papermaking.  She has also worked with numerous institutions and programs to develop dialogue on the importance of cultural appropriation concerning Indigenous design work.

Mace received her MA and MFA degrees in Photography and Textile Design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her BFA in Photography from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is currently a lecturer in photography at UW–Madison and the photographer for the Center of Design and Material Culture.

Her work as an artist and scholar has been exhibited nationally and internationally at various conferences and galleries. She has received numerous awards, including the 2020 Fellowship.Art Recipient, 2019 Wisconsin Triennial Recipient, Madison Magazine M List 2018 Awardee, and the Alice Brown Memorial Scholarship. 

We will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11-5PM. Please note that we are currently practicing social distancing guidelines; we ask that you please keep your distance from others and wear a mask unless you are fully vaccinated. We will be following state and city guidelines as they progress and update accordingly.

Stay safe and healthy out there!