How did Native American culture influence Niki's work?

Sculpture: Large Yelling Man Totem
On Guide: n6
Location: Gladney Rose Garden
 
Niki's Totems reveal her exploration of Native American culture and traditions. She always admired American Indian totems and felt they contained a spiritually protective, mysterious glow. She consulted Native American experts and invited them to monitor their ritualistic installation in her magical Queen Califia's circle sculpture garden in California.

These sculptures are based on the structure, symbolism and spiritual art of Native American totem poles. They represent the rich textures as well as the pastel palette of Niki's last Californian mosaic style. Notice how they are covered in an extraordinary variety of materials.

While it may be hard to decode the meanings of the Totems, Niki subjects the creatures of the lower tiers to the protective or destructive power of the animals on the top. On the Grand Step Totem, a Nana-like mother and her child are placed under a deity represented by a mask.

 
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