ARTIST STATEMENT
My practice traverses traditional indigenous knowledge systems. In learning the teachings of the past and applying them to my practice, I aim to explore how Indigenous art/knowledge connects our understanding of our unique place in the universe. I pose questions about how we understand our connections to those who surround us. Continuous cultural evolution is of particular interest to me. generational knowledge connects me to my past, helps me find meaning in my presence as I look toward the future. As I create art through these traditional art practices, I feel connected to my ancestors. through meditation and spiritual material imbuement of my art, this brings me a sense of bringing power back into my own being. Interweaving these various types of crafts I want to create a new visual language. A language that preserves tradition and creates a discourse that has people question their own preconceptions of native American art & craft.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mona Cliff (Aniiih)is a Transdisciplinary indigenous visual artist, she explores the subject of contemporary Native American identity and culture through her use of traditional Native crafting methods such as seed bead embroidery and fabric applique. Beadwork & sewing applique have been a primary foundation of her artistic practice.
Mona acquired a B.F.A in Printmaking from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Honoring native culture, She has continued to work on her art combining contemporary subject matters with indigenous methods of crafting. Her art also focuses on how traditional arts are passed down between generations of women, thus influencing culture. Mona pursues the concepts of generational knowledge while exploring other topics such as native futurism and identity. Her beadwork is included in the traveling exhibit The World of Frida, touring exhibit in the U.S for the next year.
Mona has recently concluded a public art grant through Art Place America and the Lawrence Arts Center in which shel focused on community public art. Her project Natives NOW focused on bringing visibility to the local native community, using portraiture, projections. Mona works as a Diversity, Equity, and inclusion field representative for indigenous communities for the Kansas Creative Arts Industry Commission.
She recently concluded a commissioned installation for the Kansas City Museum, where she is incorporating seed beads as a way to work in harmony and honor nature’s forms. She is embarking on a commissioned beaded piece spanning 15 ft’ for the Kansas City Airport Terminal’ 1% for the arts program. She will be teaching several classes on beadwork and fiber arts in the near future. Mona is married and has 3 children ages 11, 12& 13 years old.
She currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas. Mona Cliff is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre tribe (A’aninin/Nakota Nations) she is Frozen Clan(Aniiih) and of the Medicine Bear Clan(Nakota) of Ft. Belknap, MT
© Mona Cliff