“What is an American?”: Artists Reflect

Borrowing its title from a large print by the Native American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, this installation addresses how ideas of “Americanness”—and the rights and privileges entailed therein—have been imposed, argued over, and redefined since the nation’s founding. Drawn from art of the past century, the installation includes many works that engage with acts of protest, resistance, and civic engagement, highlighting the struggles of various groups to attain equal rights and protections. Several artists invoke potent American symbols, phrases, and historical figures, while others look at how notions of Americanness can intersect with multiple cultural identities, countering narratives of a singular American experience. Together, the works demonstrate that the question of “What is an American?” has never been straightforward, and they invite visitors to consider its myriad answers.