Kent Monkman (ocêkwi sîpiy/Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, actively working in Toronto and New York) brings history firmly into the present, using sly humor and flair to look critically at the stories that shape our society. He draws visual inspiration from past artistic styles to create a new version of history painting. Through detailed, dramatic, and often humorous compositions and monumental canvases, Monkman immerses viewers in scenes that depict marginalized histories and suggests ways to create conditions for genuine healing.
Monkman illuminates the histories, identities, and realities often missing from dominant narratives, particularly those of Indigenous and queer communities. The epic scope of Monkman’s paintings moves through searing scenes of oppression, lament, humor, pride, and celebration. Through allegory, metaphor, and cunning art historical citations, his works challenge the authority and authorship of official colonial histories that many have learned and perpetuated.
By centering Indigenous and queer perspectives on North American history within the frame, Kent Monkman offers new ways of seeing our shared histories, the present, and approaching futures.
Content Guidance
This exhibition features depictions of:
- acts of resistance
- bodily violence by authority figures
- environmental exploitation
- frolicking and leisure
- loss and grieving
- love and compassion
- mischief and humor
- nudity from across the gender spectrum
- queer visibility and pride
- resilience
There is a room for respite and reflection inside the exhibition should you need it.
Resources for short and long-term care are also available.
My name is Miss Chief Eagle Testickle and I come from the stars.
Monkman engages histories of colonization with camp, humor, and a healthy dose of mischief. Inspired by non-Native artists in the 1800s who often painted themselves into their work, an act Monkman found egotistical, he created the narrator: Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. Miss Chief, a fierce provocateur who moves through time and space in Monkman’s work to disrupt false and incomplete narratives. She embodies Indigenous resilience and presents an empowering point of view of Indigenous gender and sexuality. Look for Miss Chief throughout the exhibition and visit her Library that further explores some of Monkman's inspirations.
Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors is organized by the Denver Art Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It was developed with generous support from the D. R. Sobey Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, and Henry Luce Foundation, with additional support provided by the Birnbaum Social Discourse Project, The Christensen Fund, Walker Youngbird Foundation, Marilyn Carol and Robert Weaver, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
