NUNANQVALL’, 2022

The Yu’Pik word for “such a beautiful moment” features Golga Oscar, Yup’ik artist, is a celebrated young, two-spirit regalia maker from Kasigluk, Alaska. A purveyor of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)--Golga explores his creativity and indigeneity-- spending time self-teaching forgotten techniques blending traditional and contemporary arts. The results are otherworldly. I wanted to take a portrait that captures his grace and vision. Both of us far away from home (during a pandemic), we created a shared imaginary space together in the Coe Foundation’s vacant warehouse, using machine snow and fog. Golga is wearing his handmade, fine art regalia.

Collections: Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Montclair Art Museum