Maajtaawin Gizhi-Bimaadizin
Maajtaawin Gizhi-Bimaadizin is an award-winning original painting in oil and copper paint on panel by Ojibwe artist Le’Ana Asher, juried Third Place in 2D at the 2026 Eiteljorg Indian Market. A young grass dancer is about to step into the circle, with Ojibwe words in copper behind him. Many of our families lost our language, and in some, it skipped whole generations. We are still here, and so is our language. 18 × 24 in., one-of-a-kind, with a certificate of authenticity.
Only 1 left in stock
Price
$2,350.00
Technique
Additional information
| Dimensions | 18 × 24 in |
|---|---|
| Print size |
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DESCRIPTION
Maajtaawin Gizhi-Bimaadizin
Oil and copper paint on panel | 18 × 24 in | 2026
Juried Third Place, 2D, Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis, 2026
You may not be able to read this painting, and that is part of the work. Across the background, Ojibwe words repeat in copper beside older symbols used as writing. For generations, assimilation stripped this living language from Ojibwe families. The viewer is asked to stand where many were made to stand: in front of their own language, unable to read it.
This is a young grass dancer just before he goes into the circle. I wanted to paint the second before he starts, when he’s nervous and ready at once. His people are out there dancing, and his ancestors are in the words behind him. I think that’s what dancing is. You aren’t only in the present. You’re dancing with everyone who came before and everyone who comes after.
I painted the words in copper because I’m from Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Reservation, in Copper Country. Copper is sacred to us. People have worked it and honored it here for thousands of years, and it remains part of our ceremonies, including water ceremonies. I wanted our language written in the metal that comes from our own ground.
The words read Maajtaawin gizhi-bimaadizin, which the artist interprets as “beginning a swift journey.” The phrase carries two meanings. It describes a young man entering emerging adulthood and a people carrying their culture and language through modern life in America in 2026.
Recognition
Third Place (juried), 2D, Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 2026. [The original award is included with purchase.]
Details
- Medium: Oil paint and copper paint on panel
- Dimensions: 18 × 24 in
- Year: 2008-2026
- Edition: Original, one of a kind
- Signed: front /and back
- Framing: unframed
- Ships: Professionally packed, tracked, and insured
- Certificate of authenticity: Included
- Certificate of award: Included
- Series: Social Justice and Resistance
