CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 3/4/2025

In Kent Monkman, a little mischief may lead to monumental change

The Storm (2021) is from Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors, published to accompany the renowned Cree Canadian artist’s upcoming show at the Denver Art Museum—his first major museum exhibition in the United States. Coming to us at what might be the best—or worst—possible moment given the current political situation, the work (generally organized around Monkman’s alter ego, “Miss Chief”) takes on issues of colonization and queerness, dark histories and corrective imaginations, with dark humor and pointed fury. “The subjects of Monkman’s paintings range from brutal scenes of oppression to moments of lament and celebrations of triumph and valor,” John P. Lukavic and Léuli Eshroghi write. “They challenge authority, or rather authorship, of the official colonial histories that many have learned and perpetuated. Some of these works are allegorical or metaphorical, while others are of known moments in history. If you find Monkman’s work challenging, enlightening, offensive, affirming or validating, it is absolutely meant for you.” They conclude: “A little mischief can lead to monumental change.”