Passages through American Art

For the Passages through American Art gallery video, I identified and engaged Indigenous thought leaders, scientists, and artists to interpret specific artworks through the theme of water. In the exhibition, water serves as a lens through which to explore themes including Maine’s involvement in transatlantic slavery, environmental change, and the enduring presence of Wabanaki and other Indigenous nations across North America.

For these interviews, I drew on a series of questions I had developed through years of conducting artist and community interviews. My approach encourages participants to look critically at the artworks, drawing connections between their personal and professional experiences and the broader historical context. I also conducted extensive visual research to identify compelling archival and B-roll footage that strengthened the video’s visual narrative and created a cohesive storytelling experience.