Art is Regenerative

This interactive print collection is part of my research on Indigenous communities in Madison, Wisconsin and their connection to studio art. You can check out my full website here:
https://uwmadisonindigenousart.wordpress.com/


/INSPIRATION/

I was inspired by Molli Pauliot’s “Seed by Seed” Banners at UW-Madison. Pauliot, a UW-Madison graduate student and member of the Ho-Chunk nation, believes that artists can generate new cross-cultural relationships when they engage in co-creation.

The center panel of Pauliot’s banner features two abstract red Wisconsin “W”’s and two green water spirits. The image of the water spirits is a reference to the sacred two-tailed water spirit mound on Observatory Hill that the university damaged in 1902 when they built sidewalks through the two wings.


/COLOR/

I chose red and green to reference the “W” and water spirit imagery on the banner. In doing so, I aim to:
Look to the past, acknowledging the complex history of destruction and disrespect that UW-Madison forever shares with the Ho-Chunk nation.
Cast a hopeful glance to the future as Pauliot sees it, where students from various backgrounds can cultivate new relationships through co-creation.


/LOCATION/

I hung the prints in four bathrooms across campus, along with a plaque and Sharpie to encourage engagement. Bathrooms are the place that I observe the most co-creation in my day-to-day life: students draw on the walls to grapple with complexities, express themselves and encourage one another. Most importantly, they respond to each other.


/RESEARCH REFLECTION/

I hung the prints on Oct. 29, 2025, and I will document their progress until they get taken down.