"38" | Keith Dixon
Studio Pintura is proud to present a preview of selections from a new solo exhibit by Keith Dixon, in tribute to the Dakota 38.
Minnesota artist Keith Dixon and Studio Pintura Fine Art Gallery will preview selections from his new collection of paintings honoring the Dakota People and the 38 warriors executed in Mankato in 1862. Open to the public during Art-A-Whirl, May 19-21
The complete 40-painting collection will premiere at the Hallberg Center for the Arts in Wyoming MN on August 26.
Hallberg Center Exhibition Dates: August 26 – September 16
Private showings of selected works and artist interviews will be available through May, June and July by contacting Studio Pintura.
A signed, collector’s limited-edition fine art book will be available for sale, with profits earmarked for a Native social justice initiative.
None of the paintings are for private sale. It is the wish of the artist that the collection remains intact and be available to the public in an appropriate setting. A permanent home is being sought.
Event Dates and Times
Friday May 19 5:00–10:00pm
Saturday May 20 noon–8:00pm
Sunday May 21 noon-5:00pm
About the Artist:
Keith Dixon is a narrative and figurative oil painter born in Minnesota and a former apprentice to the renowned Norwegian painter, Odd Nerdrum. More here:
BACKGROUND
On December 26, 1862, the U.S. government carried out the country’s largest mass execution by hanging 38 Dakota warriors in Mankato, Minnesota after following the 37-day U.S. Dakota War of 1862. Nearly 150 years later, this event launched a three-year effort by Minneapolis narrative oil painter Keith Dixon to memorialize the injustice and despair of that day.
Keith’s project, titled “38,” was sparked by his encounter with the late Lakota spiritual leader, Jim Miller, the founder of the annual Dakota 38 Memorial Ride from South Dakota to Mankato and the protagonist of an award-winning documentary film.
“I called Jim after seeing the documentary and told him that what had happened to the Dakota people was something I just couldn’t get out of my head,” Keith recalls. “Jim responded, ‘I know the feeling.’ He concurred I should do something about what I called my moral outrage, some project of my very own making. I told him I was a painter. He just said that whatever I do, be sure to honor his people, tell the truth, and speak from the heart. I’ve tried to live up to that. I just wish Jim had lived long enough for me to show this to him.”
During his three-year journey, Keith spent time reading the history of early Minnesota and the circumstances surrounding the Dakota Uprising and the Mankato executions. Several people from the Native community also visited his studio. Keith formed a friendship with Francis Wakeman, the great, great, great grandson of the famed Dakota Chief, Ta Oyate Dutta, otherwise known as Little Crow.
“Francis said my portrait of his ancestor was breathtaking. I think that was the highest compliment I could ever conceive of hearing. He believed I had captured his dignity, his proud bearing, his intelligence, and his anguish as a leader in an impossible situation.”
“The images presented are allegorical figures of Dakota warriors, and are meant to spiritually represent the individuals,” Dixon said. “Art can be a uniquely constructive means to engage with difficult subjects. I hope that this exhibition contributes to healing and reconciliation among the people of Minnesota,” he added. “I believe viewers will find beauty in these faces, and I hope that all Native American viewers will feel that I honored the warriors’ dignity.”
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