First Year Inquiry Students Visit MIA

​First-year students from Kris Cory and Margaret Kelly’s First Year Inquiry course visit the MIA for a tour based on David Treur's Rez Life.
​First-year students from Kris Cory and Margaret Kelly’s First Year Inquiry course visit the MIA for a tour based on David Treur’s Rez Life.

As part of CEHD Reads, students in the First Year Inquiry (FYI) class visited the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) for a guided tour related to this year’s Common Book, Rez Life.

After reading the book, MIA volunteer docents select art works to view and discuss, framing the conversation around themes explored in Rez Life, also chosen as the MIA’s December book club selection.

During one tour, students examined Warrior with Shield by Henry Moore and reflected on the pride and dignity conveyed by the bronze statue of a wounded warrior, connecting it the dignity of indigenous people. While viewing The Intrigue, a painting by James Ensor, the docent explained the scandal created by the mixed race engagement of Ensor’s sister. In retaliation, Ensor portrays the town gossips hiding behind masks. The painting sparked a discussion about racial intolerance and the figurative masks people adopt to disguise their beliefs and emotions.

MIA docent

 

In the portrait, Little Crow, by Henry Cross, the artist depicts the Chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota dressed in a suit, tie and flowing red cape. Students questioned the painter’s disregard for Little Crow’s heritage, choosing to attire him in “white man’s clothing.” The docent explained this was Little Crow’s desire and accurately portrayed him during a time in his life when he tried to assimilate to white culture.

For some students, this was their first experience at the MIA and many expressed a desire to return. The docent’s selections offered a glimpse of the museum’s treasures and opened another path of inquiry for students to explore.