The Ford Erections 2014

Kent Monkman created this work, "The Ford Erections", to question our understanding of history, identity, and representation. Monkman, a contemporary First Nations artist, challenges the dominant narratives often found in art institutions. This painting directly confronts the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the forces of colonization and modernity. The Ford trucks signify industrialization and the exploitation of natural resources, while the gathering suggests a ritual or ceremony, hinting at the clash between tradition and progress. Made in Canada, the artwork highlights the complex history of Indigenous communities and their encounters with European settlers. Monkman invites viewers to reflect on the social structures of the past and their impact on the present. To fully appreciate Monkman's work, we must consider the historical context, delving into archives, literature, and oral histories. The meaning of this artwork, and others like it, is found in the social and institutional contexts.