Arts | Page 13 | MNopedia

Art Speaks: Jim Denomie

Jim Denomie reflects on his painting "Off the Reservation (or Minnesota Nice)," which was included in the Art Speaks exhibition at the Minnesota History Center, February 26–July 31, 2022.

Jim Denomie, one of Minnesota’s most significant and beloved visual artists, is best known for his large-scale narrative paintings. He used irony and humor to depict the political realities Native Americans face, including brutality and abuse, as well as his personal visions of eroticism, joy, grief, and spirituality. Denomie’s style is distinct and inimitable, especially in its use of color.

Beaded book cover

Beaded book cover made at Birch Coulee before 1936.

Dakota embroidered miniature moccasins

Miniature embroidered moccasins made at Birch Coulee and given to Evangeline Whipple by Julia Walker Lawrence in October of 1908.

Lacemaking at Birch Coulee, 1893–1926

The lace-making school that operated at Birch Coulee at the turn of the twentieth century is an important part of the history of the Lower Sioux Indian Community. Although the school was an extension of the assimilation efforts directed towards Dakota people in the late 1800s, the Birch Coulee lace-makers used the project to support their community, and to continue a long tradition of communal artmaking among Dakota women.

Alternate color version of the Minnesota state seal

Alternate color version of the Minnesota state seal, before 1971 and ca. 1960s.

Minnesota State Seal on display

The Minnesota State Seal on display in a Hennepin County District Court courtroom at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. Photograph by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster, October 25, 2018. CC BY 2.0

Color version of the Minnesota state seal, 2018

Four-color version of the Great Seal of Minnesota, 2018. From the Minnesota State Brand Style Guide, 2018.

Color version of the Minnesota state seal, 1983

Color version of the Minnesota state seal, 1983. Public domain.

Variation of the Great Seal of Minnesota

Variation of the Great Seal of Minnesota that replaces the Native American horseman with a settler on horseback. This version of the seal was authorized by the Secretary of State in 1971 but never used on official documents. It nevertheless appeared in some official settings.

Gale Family Library