Major presentation of Leon Polk Smith's paintings at the Heard Museum

10 February 2021

'Leon Polk Smith: Hiding in Plain Site' is open now at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, through 31 May. The world’s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art, The Heard's exhibition takes as its starting point Smith's upbringing in Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation Territory – a significant source of inspiration and influence on his artistic production that as yet remains largely unexplored.

This original exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey that starts in Oklahoma Territory, where Smith was born and raised surrounded by Indigenous people and culture, to New York City where he would become a founding icon of mid-century modern art. 'Hiding in Plain Sight' pairs outstanding examples of late 19th and early 20th-century works of Indigenous art from Oklahoma Territory, including beadwork, hide painting, and ribbon applique, with Smith’s paintings. Featuring more than 40 works spanning seven decades of his legendary career, highlights include masterworks from his Constellation series.

Find further information via the Heard Museum.