What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

We see a peaceful community of Native Americans, immersed with the nature, not interfering with the nature. The story we see is that they are temporarily residing on this piece of land and possibly following their food source, which may be buffalos. However this piece captures them settling temporarily while the sun slowly begins to come down.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The background is slightly dimmed and shadowed, indicating that the sun is beginning to set. The intricate detail on the Native Americans gives us their perspective in the piece. We see families and little children. The warm flowing colors depict the balance of nature.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

Since this piece was displayed in the beginning of the exhibit, we believe the museum tried to emphasize Native Americans’s connection with nature and how great the natural world is compared to humans. It emphasizes balance, which is what Native Americans lived by.

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