Co-curated by contemporary Native American artist Brad Kahlhamer and longtime companion Dan Mills, “Exploding Native Inevitable”—which makes its Arizona debut at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) this August—explores the works of over a dozen Indigenous artists and collaboratives from tribes across the country.

The exhibition serves as a window into Kahlhamer’s extensive travels, in which he first encountered the featured artists whose work has inspired and informed his artistic practice. Set to a backdrop of dance, film, music, performance, readings, storytelling and video, “Exploding Native Inevitable” is a multidimensional journey across time and space.

We recently sat down with the curators to take a closer look at the exhibition.

Exploding Native Inevitable: Q&A With Brad Kahlhamer and Dan Mills

What inspired you to create this exhibition?

Kahlhamer: When Dan and I began speaking about this exhibition, there was a noticeable lack of Indigenous representation throughout museums and galleries. We recognized and chose artists on the cusp of their art and presence.

Mills: Brad and I have known each other for 20 years. It came out of an organic conversation in his studio. With Brad being one of the significant Indigenous artists working today—and our familiarity/friendship with one another—the idea was worth considering. The more we talked, it became clear how connected to Native American artists across this land—especially emerging artists—we both are. So we decided to take this curatorial journey together.

Brad, can you tell me more about how your cross-country travels played a role in the exhibition?

Kahlhamer: Each trip has contributed equally to my cultural playlist of places and meeting points. Over time I’ve kept a selection of artists, whom I’ve continued to meet and visit from Alaska, Washington, South Dakota, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and beyond. Most recently I’ve returned from a month-long UCross Foundation residency in Wyoming.

How would you describe your own artwork, for those who are unfamiliar with it?

Kahlhamer: I’m a painter and sculptor born in Tucson. My work takes inspiration from the Sonoran Desert and the Southwest. My winter studio in Mesa keeps me exploring and painting at the skirts of Superstition Mountains.

What was the selection/curatorial process like for “Exploding Native Inevitable”?

Kahlhamer: I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dan on this organic process. We worked together to narrow down the selection through several studio visits, calls and Zoom meetings.

Mills: A pandemic happened mid-course which was horrible, as we know, in so many ways. However, the isolation it created was fine for endeavors such as one’s studio practice and deep-diving research. Brad and I looked, listened and watched extraordinary visual art, film, performance, poetry, etc. There was so much to see and learn about, and it was moving to see so many remarkable Indigenous creatives make such compelling work today. My curve was steeper, but it was a remarkable and rewarding climb. This informative process of exploring broadly and widely before finalizing a roster of artists for the exhibition, I think, was important.

What are some of your favorite pieces from the exhibition?

Mills: Honestly, I don’t think that way. There is so much amazing work—contemplative, gorgeous, heartbreaking, humorous—I could never choose. As a curator, I think of this as a thoughtfully selected group of artists with works that make a whole. And that together is my favorite. Additionally, we curated it in a way that encourages SMoCA (and following institutions) to consider expanding the project beyond the exhibition and include an area for Indigenous performers, writers, etc. to participate in the programming—another favorite. It’s exciting and unknowable.

“Exploding Native Inevitable” will be on view at SMoCA (smoca.org) in Scottsdale, Arizona from Aug. 10 through Jan. 5, 2025.