Joel Issak Łiq'a Yes: Honoring the Ordinary

Joel Issak Łiq'a Yes: Honoring the Ordinary

Alaska State Museum - Juneau

November 1, 2024 - January 11, 2025

Honoring the Ordinary is an exhibition of works by Dena’ina multidisciplinary artist Joel Isaak Łiq'a yes of Kenai. The installation Honoring the Ordinary creates opportunities for moments of discovery, intrigue, and possibly discomfort by considering the survivance of Salmon Culture in Alaska today.

For those who have never experienced a strong salmon run, this installation creates an opportunity to immerse in the sensory experience of salmon culture. For those losing access to salmon because the salmon can no longer return, this installation provides a way to honor the salmon, the people, and the cultures that have shaped one another for thousands of years. This exhibit brings the outdoors into the gallery space, recognizing Alaska's connection to salmon as something to be honored, cherished, and protected. 

Joel is one of six artists selected for the Alaska State Museum 2024-2026 Solo Artist Exhibition Series along with Myesha Callahan Freet, Shgendootan George, Ree Nancarrow, Golga Oscar, and Tamara Wilson.