In the midst of a tumultuous political climate, Rosy Simas, a Minnesota-based artist, has created a sanctuary of peace and contemplation. Her exhibition, titled “A:gajë:gwah dësa’nigöëwë:nye:’” (I hope it will stir your mind), offers a much-needed respite from the chaos and fear that have gripped the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge. This federal initiative, which targeted immigrant communities, has left a trail of devastation, including the tragic loss of lives.
Simas’s interdisciplinary project, which includes both an installation and performances, draws inspiration from her ancestral roots. Her fifth great-grandfather’s half-brother, Handsome Lake (Ganyodaiyo’), experienced a vision that led him to teach his people about the Seneca concept of a “good mind” – a philosophy that underpins Simas’s artistic vision.
“The installation became more subtle as I refined it,” Simas explains. “It was designed to evoke rather than provoke, to provide a sanctuary where people can find peace amidst the confusion.” This sanctuary, filled with objects like salt bottles crafted from woven corn husks, each honoring a relative, invites visitors to slow down and connect with their own experiences.
Opening an exhibition during a federal occupation was a challenging decision for Simas. “It wasn’t about creating a safe space, but a space where people could be with themselves,” she says. Simas recognizes the importance of providing a haven for reflection and self-discovery during oppressive times.
The exhibition’s layout is carefully designed to guide visitors through a choreographed experience. “In Haudenosaunee culture, we move counterclockwise,” Simas explains. “The arrangement of the panels and objects invites visitors to follow this path, encouraging them to engage actively with the artwork.”
Simas’s work as a choreographer influences the installation’s design. “The grid from which the corn husk panels hang reflects my thinking as a theater artist,” she says. “It’s a deliberate choice to create a dynamic and immersive environment.”
The need for visibility and representation of Native, BIPOC, and queer voices is a driving force behind Simas’s work. “These voices are being suppressed,” she asserts. “It’s crucial that we continue to create spaces for their expression, especially during times of political turmoil.”
The exhibition’s sacred atmosphere is a result of the intentional design choices and the environment in which it was created. “While I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as sacred, I’m glad that visitors feel a sense of peace and connection,” Simas reflects. “It’s about creating a space that meets the needs of the community in this particular moment.”
In a world where political tensions run high, Simas’s exhibition serves as a reminder of the power of art to provide solace and inspire reflection. It is a testament to the resilience of artists like Simas, who continue to create and offer spaces of peace and contemplation, even in the face of adversity.
