Echoes of the Wisconsin River: Smithsonian Unveils Major Truman Lowe Retrospective

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is preparing for the highly anticipated debut of Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe, scheduled to open this fall at its flagship Washington, D.C., location. Commencing on October 24th and running through January 2027, this exhibition marks the first major retrospective dedicated to the acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe (1944–2019), a monumental tribute to his distinguished career.

For the first time, this exhibition will gather Lowe’s monumental works, showcasing significant pieces drawn from both public and private collections, including 28 items from the museum’s own extensive holdings. The showcase features approximately 50 sculptures, drawings, and paintings, allowing Water’s Edge to meticulously trace the evolution of Lowe’s artistic journey and the central thematic concerns that defined his output. His renowned sculptures, often crafted from simple, organic materials such as willow branches and feathers, are celebrated for their ability to evoke the serene images of flowing rivers, tranquil streams, and cascading waterfalls of his Wisconsin homeland, along with the traditional canoes utilized for navigation.

Exhibition curator Rebecca Head Trautmann commented on the profound nature of the artist's work, stating that “Truman Lowe’s art reflects on cultural traditions, memory and human relationships to place.” She expressed excitement about the opportunity to share both his work and his story with the museum's visitors later this fall.

Accompanying the exhibition will be a companion catalog, also slated for release in the fall, which is designed to offer new insights into Lowe’s life and artistic trajectory. The publication features rigorous scholarly essays alongside reflections from artists who have been influenced by his practice. This comprehensive book provides a critical and deeper exploration of Lowe’s lasting creative legacy and his enduring impact on contemporary Native American art.