Artist Jordan Ann Craig’s (Northern Cheyenne) solo exhibition at The Block Museum is her largest institutional exhibition to date and her first in the Chicago area. Her large-scale abstract paintings reflect her engagement with Indigenous, especially Northern Cheyenne, aesthetic traditions and her dynamic and innovative exploration of color, line, and geometric form. Craig’s practice often begins with research in museum collections and archives—studying, learning from, and engaging in a dialogue with traditional Indigenous artistic forms, such as beadwork, pottery, and textiles. She also draws inspiration from the landscape of what is now the Southwestern United States, where she lives and works. 

The exhibition’s title, It takes a long time to stay here, comes from the poem "spinning air" by m.s. RedCherries (Northern Cheyenne), and evokes ideas of grounding and reflection. The exhibition invites a deep exploration of the seven paintings, shown together for the first time, highlighting the introspective quality of Craig’s work. As one spends extended time with each painting, its meaning is shaped by the interplay of Craig’s enigmatic and playful titles, her intricate compositions, and the perspectives of each viewer.

Exhibition Keynote: Jordan Ann Craig in conversation with m.s. RedCherries

Wednesday, February 26, 6PM

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It takes a long time to stay here: Paintings by Jordan Ann Craig is curated by Kathleen Bickford Berzock, Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, Janet Dees, former Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and Jacqueline Lopez, 2024–25 Interdisciplinary Graduate Fellow, at The Block Museum of Art. 

This exhibition is partially supported by the Alsdorf Gallery Endowment and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Additional generous support is provided by the Alumnae of Northwestern University. Support for this publication has been provided by Hales Gallery, New York.