Four Native Artists Commissioned for St. Louis Art Triennial 2026

The 2026 Counterpublic triennial in St. Louis, Missouri, has commissioned four contemporary Native artists to create new works for its upcoming exhibition, "Coyote Time," opening September 10. The initiative, presented in partnership with the Walker Youngbird Foundation, will feature nearly 50 artworks across the city. The selected artists include Yatika Starr Fields, Rebecca Belmore, Nicholas Galanin, and Kite, each bringing distinct cultural perspectives to themes tied to the Mississippi Riverfront and its historical significance.

Anishinaabe curator Wanda Nanibush selected three of the artists—Yatika Starr Fields, Rebecca Belmore, and Nicholas Galanin—to develop projects reflecting on the Mississippi Riverfront’s connection to the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the U.S. The arch symbolizes the westward expansion that displaced millions of Native Americans. Fields, a member of the Cherokee, Mvskoke (Creek), and Osage nations, will create a site-specific piece exploring Indigenous narratives tied to the land. Belmore, of Lac Seul First Nation, will contribute an installation addressing environmental and cultural displacement. Galanin, a Tlingit and Unangax̂ artist, will focus on the intersection of Indigenous identity and colonial history along the riverfront.

Oglála Lakȟóta artist Kite was invited by curator Stefanie Hessler to develop an installation in both the riverfront area and Tower Grove Park. Kite’s work will incorporate community input gathered through workshops where St. Louis residents shared their aspirations and concerns. This collaborative approach underscores Counterpublic’s commitment to centering local voices in its artistic vision.

The Counterpublic triennial, now in its second edition, continues to position St. Louis as a hub for contemporary art that engages with social and historical narratives. The exhibition’s timing aligns with broader discussions about Indigenous representation in public spaces and the legacies of colonialism in the American Midwest.

In a separate announcement, New York City’s High Line revealed its fall 2024 art program, featuring works by Marianna Simnett, Amol K. Patil, Alvaro Barrington, and Christopher Williams. Simnett’s video installation, "Interlude," will debut in September, presented in two food vendor carts along the elevated park. Williams will contribute "MODEL," a billboard artwork at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 18th Street. Patil and Barrington will unveil their projects in October and November, respectively. The High Line also confirmed that its next Plinth commission will be announced in 2027.

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