Hauser & Wirth has recently announced their representation of Jeffrey Gibson, an esteemed American artist known for his interdisciplinary approach to art, in collaboration with Sikkema Jenkins & Co. For over 30 years, Gibson’s work has drawn deeply from American, Indigenous, and queer histories, blending them with elements of pop culture, literature, and art history. By merging these influences with his own life experiences, Gibson creates diverse works that challenge notions of authenticity, cultural understanding, and aesthetics. His art spans various mediums, from painting and sculpture to performance and video, reflecting a vast and inclusive visual language that incorporates a broad array of cultural identities.
Portrait of Jeffrey Gibson, 2024 Photograph by Inez and Vinoodh
Gibson, who is based in Hudson, New York, is of Choctaw and Cherokee descent and became the first Indigenous artist to represent the United States solo at the Venice Biennale in 2024. His upbringing across different continents, including Europe, Asia, and North America, nurtured his interest in cultural translation and the complex relationship between difference and desire. His vibrant, multi-sensory installations, often incorporating elements like beadwork and leatherwork, are known for remixing historical narratives of struggle and freedom, offering spaces of reflection and communal experience. A notable upcoming installation, “POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT,” will debut at MASS MoCA in late 2024, exploring the concept of 'two-spirit,' a term used by Indigenous communities to express non-binary gender identities.
Gibson’s artistic practice is celebrated for its bold use of colour, intricate patterns, and the incorporation of text. His kaleidoscopic works reflect Indigenous geometric abstraction and Native American regalia, fused with Western art traditions. Initially trained as a painter, Gibson expanded his practice by integrating materials and methods from diverse cultures, such as beadwork, quilting, and leatherwork, often applied to everyday objects. This fusion of cultural aesthetics creates hybrid forms that defy conventional classification.
Jeffrey Gibson, I will continue to change, 2024. © Jeffrey Gibson. Photo by Max Yawney. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth.
In welcoming Gibson to their roster, Hauser & Wirth expressed admiration for his capacity to address complex cultural issues with a unique blend of humour and sincerity. Marc Payot, the gallery’s president, praised Gibson as both a sharp cultural critic and a masterful artist, seamlessly weaving together historical narratives and aesthetic forms. Through his expansive body of work, Gibson tackles key societal questions with a generosity that invites audiences to engage deeply with his critiques of American culture.
This new partnership marks a pivotal moment in Gibson’s career. Hauser & Wirth will present his work “I Will Continue to Change” at Art Basel Paris in October 2024, followed by a solo exhibition in Paris the following year. Additionally, Gibson has been commissioned to create outdoor installations for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, set to debut in September 2025. His influence continues to grow, with his works included in the collections of prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Gibson’s career has been punctuated by numerous accolades, including a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship in 2019. His approach to art, characterised by a synthesis of Indigenous, queer, and American histories, often blurs the lines between different cultural references and artistic traditions. Whether through vibrant paintings, immersive installations, or performances, his work continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary art, offering a space for reflection on identity, culture, and history.
This latest collaboration between Gibson and Hauser & Wirth not only highlights the growing recognition of contemporary Indigenous art but also underlines Gibson’s role as a key figure in that movement, providing a platform for further exploration of his innovative and thought-provoking practice.
Jeffrey Gibson, installation view of “the space in which to place me” at the United States Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition–La Biennale di Venezia, 2024. © Jeffrey Gibson. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth.