Jeffrey Gibson

Jeffrey Gibson speaks to Anne Ellegood, Director, ICA LA, about key moments in his career and upcoming projects.  

Using song lyrics or punching bags, Jeffrey Gibson (b.1972, Colorado) recontextualizes the familiar to offer a succinct commentary on cultural hybridity and modernist strategies within contemporary art. Drawing influence from popular culture, critical theory as well as his own individual Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, his sculptures, beaded works and paintings seamlessly coalesce traditional Native American craft with contemporary cultural production. His work is a vibrant call for queer and Indigenous empowerment, envisioning a celebration of strength and joy within these communities.  

Gibson has exhibited widely including at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum Lincoln, Boston, MA (2021-22); CCA Wattis Institute of Contemporary Art, San Francisco (2020). His work is held at major institutions including: Whitney Museum of American Art in New York; Denver Art Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian, Washington D.C.; National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR. Gibson is a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship (2019); Joan Mitchell Foundation, Painters and Sculptors Award (2015); and Creative Capital Foundation Grant (2005). 

Art Basel’s Conversations series presents stimulating panel discussions on topics concerning the global contemporary art scene. Prominent members of the international artworld – artists, gallerists, curators, collectors, architects, critics, and many other cultural figures – each offer unique perspectives on producing, collecting, and exhibiting art. Conversations is programmed by Edward Winkleman, author and private dealer.

The conversation will take place at Art Basel Miami Beach Auditorium (Grand Ballroom), Level 2. It is free and open to the public on a first come first serve basis, no booking required. Doors will open 10 min before the event. All conversations will also be livestreamed with subtitles on Art Basel Miami Beach's Facebook page. A recording will be available on youtube after the event.