Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort

October 16, 2009–August 8, 2010

Washington, DC

This major survey of Brian Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations/Swiss-Canadian) transforms the familiar and banal into exquisite objects that reference themes of globalization, pop culture, museums, and the commodification of Indian imagery. Jungen first came to prominence with Prototypes for New Understandings (1998–2005), for which he fashioned Nike footwear into masks that suggested Northwest Coast iconography. Later works have included a pod of whales made from plastic chairs, totem poles made from golf bags, and a massive basketball court made from 224 sewing tables. Strange Comfort features Jungen's iconic works, as well as major pieces never before seen in the United States.