Artwork copyright Shelley Niro. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Shelley Niro. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Shelley Niro. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Essential Sensuality of Ceremony, 2002

Shelley Niro
(American | Turtle Band of Mohawk, born 1954)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The Essential Sensuality of Ceremony is a series of five photographs paired with five beaded objects, created by artist Shelley Niro. The series references the story of Deganawidah, or the “Peacemaker”. This person traveled through Iroquois territories, bringing together communities and teaching them to be attuned to their senses, to care for others, and care for themselves. Niro notes: “This is my interpretation of The Great Law, the oral history of the Iroquois People, which normally takes over 10 days to recite. Essentially, it is a lesson of survival. Be good to yourself, be kind to others and let your senses guide you in all of your actions. Life goes on with form, function and beauty.”

This series is part of the Contemporary Native American Artwork Collection, on view at the University of Washington Gallagher Law Library. The collection was proposed by artist John Feodorov, who selected the eight represented artists for their rich and forward-thinking cultural expression. Speaking to the contemporary nature of this collection, Feodorov notes “since art, like law, is an ever evolving process, it cannot rely on nostalgia if it is to remain relevant.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Shelley Niro (Mohawk) is a filmmaker and visual artist. Her work challenges stereotypical images and clichés of Indigenous Peoples. It creates new identities and images for them, challenging the long and damaging history of white representation of Indigenous peoples.

Niro is a member of the Six Nations Reserve, Turtle Clan, Bay of Quinte Mohawk, near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (1990) in painting and sculpture from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and a Master of Fine Arts degree (1997) from the University of Western Ontario.