Please join us in the planetarium at 5pm on March 9th for the second lecture in a series on Southwest Indigenous Astronomy. This time our highly anticipated speaker is Filmer (Yoimasa) Kewanyama of the Hopi Tribe. Fil is Qalwungwa (Sun Forehead) Clan. Here is a statement from Fil on his background:
My lineage is descended from the Hopi Tribe of the Southwest. Most of my artwork depicts and chronicles the Hopi way of life, what I feel and know is very important, and sacred to me. We Hopi, cling to our old way of life and its ceremonies. As a child growing up on Hopi, I too learned through our initiations the ceremonies that our ancestors passed on to us.
The usage of symbols and what I call katsina colors is crucial to my artwork. My influences come from what I know of Hopi history and what are my own interpretations of Hopi history fueled by my own personal feelings. I am constantly striving to learn and develop new techniques and ideas to use in my paintings, digital art, sculpture, and much more.
Some of my other artworks have to do with my personal experiences of growing up between American culture and my Native culture. I focus on trying to depict the spirituality of what Hopi means to me The People of Peace. My goal is to bring awareness to non-Hopi on who we are, and to continue to grow spiritually and professionally as an artist.
Shows will last for approximately 60 minutes. Please remember to arrive at the planetarium at least 10 minutes prior to the showtime indicated on your ticket. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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