Victory and Loss: The Brinton Shares Stories of Greasy Grass

Brinton Museum Curatorial Director Jochen Wierich and Lakota artist Rhonda Holy Bear appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to talk about tradition, art, stories and bringing artists together for The Brinton Museum’s exhibition The Unfinished War: The Battle of the Little Bighorn in Native American Art.

On display through Sept. 14, the exhibition explores the Battle of the Little Bighorn, known to many Plains tribes as Greasy Grass, through Native American perspectives. Wierich said the exhibition features historic and contemporary works by Native artists who document, interpret and challenge traditional narratives surrounding the conflict. 

J. Wierich 

Through ledger drawings, pictographic art, muslin paintings and modern works, the exhibit highlights Native testimony, memory and visual stories passed down through generations while encouraging visitors to reconsider a pivotal event in American history.

Holy Bear is a contributing artist to the exhibition who had family members fall at Greasy Grass. Her work reflects the oral and visual storytelling traditions of the Lakota, telling of the emotions of both great victory and terrible loss of the battle.  

R. Holy Bear 

Learn more about The Brinton Museum’s exhibition The Unfinished War: The Battle of the Little Bighorn in Native American Art by clicking here.