Uncovered Spaces Participating Artist Jana Harper
Associate Professor of The Practice of Art at Vanderbilt University College of Arts and Science, Tennessee
I am Them, They are Me, They are Us, We are They, 2022
I am Them, They are Me, They are Us, We are They, (detail) 2022
Not the First Nor the Last, performance, 2022
Artist Statement
"My work is driven by personal histories and a desire to uncover hidden truths. As an interdisciplinary visual artist trained in somatic practice and community activism, my practice takes many forms and I work in both individual and collaborative environments. With mixed European and Native American lineage, my current work is informed by Anishinaabe history, ideas of recognition and sovereignty, and the longing to help heal generational wounds."
Biography
Jana Harper is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and advocate. Trained in fine art, somatic practice, and community activism, she works in both collaborative and individual settings. With mixed Scotch/Irish, French, and Ojibwe ancestry, her work is informed by Anishinaabe history, ideas of recognition and sovereignty, and an ache to help heal generational wounds. She is a member of the Mackinac Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and is Associate Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University where she co-directs the Indigenous Studies cross-disciplinary seminar.