For Moscow Contemporary’s third exhibit we present “Picuun, I Am Water” photographic and object exhibit with Dennis DeHart, Robbie McClaran, Palouse Prairie Charter School Canoe Project, and Nimiipuu traditional fishing tools. The exhibition runs from June 3 to September 10, 2022. There are two receptions, an Opening Reception: June 3, 5–7 p.m., and a special Canoe Project Reception: June 9, 5–7 p.m. All receptions are open to the public.
Rivers have sculpted the landscapes and imaginations of the people living in the Northwest. Rivers connect the life, livelihood, and spiritual basis for millions. This exhibit honors and questions the evolving relationship to our rivers from multiple perspectives. Following the interwoven complexity that rivers play in our environment and psyche, the exhibit pulls from multiple sources and perspectives to consider the role of rivers and waters in our lives.
McClaran recently completed his 8-year project to photograph the entire length of the Columbia River from its source in British Columbia to the estuary at the Pacific Ocean. He used an antique 8”x10” camera that uses sheet film, harkening back to traditional format of landscape photography, while including the layering of industrialization on the river’s mighty flow.
Dennis DeHart uses the latest imaging technologies to explore our environment, at the surface, underwater, or with drones. Dehart has spent most of his life in and around the rivers of the Pacific Northwest. His work is at the intersection of personal, familial, and societal concerns.
To hyper-localize “Piccuun, I Am Water” the exhibit includes two canoes built by fourth-grade students at Palouse Prairie Charter School. Building the canoes has become an integral part of the fourth-grade school year, as they study history, personal stories, culture, and the environment. One canoe is a David Thompson style cedar plank canoe from 2018, the other is this year’s traditional Nimiipuu dugout canoe, given the name Himyume, “Relative,” at its launch on the Snake River.
The contested nature of the region’s rivers is most apparent in the difference between Native American and non-Native perspectives. This is acknowledged in the photographers’ work, made present to the students participating in the canoe project, included in the exhibit through Nimiipuu fishing equipment, and in the text throughout the exhibit written by Gary Dorr (Standing Red Bear) Founder of Nimiipuu54 and Former Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe General Council.
From June 3-July 1, 2022, in the Studio Gallery is a Community Highlight Exhibit featuring the work of Richard Wells. Titled “More Than A Painter” the exhibit includes illustration and decorated motorcycle parts in addition to a selection of large paintings. Walking among us as one of the friendliest, kindest souls, Richard would very modestly say that he did some art. Here’s a chance to see behind the modesty and celebrate his talent. The Opening Reception on June 3 is also to celebrate Richard’s exhibit.
Since August 1, 2021, Moscow Contemporary has been transforming the space at 414 S. Main Street into the best gallery in Idaho. It received its IRS 501c3 tax-exempt status in November 2021.