Exhibit depicts details of American Indian cultures r By Sarah Baker Senior staff writer ' -i The Midwest has a rich history, much of 1 which owes a lot to the contributions of American Indians. s But sometimes their diversity and individual c cultural heritages are overlooked. “Edward S. Curtis’ Photographs of Plains j Indians,” opening at the Great Plains Art 1 Collection today, does much to separate the t American Indian culture into many unique facets. c The exhibit, which the Great Plains Art col lection has been collaborating on for more than < a year, consists of photos specially selected from 1 Curtis’ large body of work. Martha Kennedy, curator of the Great Plains ( Art Collection, said this exhibit is one with spe- ] cial meaning for the museum, which is devoted in part to celebrating the culture of the Midwest. . Curtis’ photographs focus on everyday activ- : ities that portray the normal lives of Plains < Indians. The photos are known for legitimizing the idea that the American Indians are a disappear- ! ing race and also that they are truly “noble sav ages.” ; Kennedy said the works ail have a common, connecting theme that gives the show added i neaning. “These photos reflect the great diversity within the Indian culture,” she said. “Often there s a tendency to generalize, but within this col ection there is great variety.” The collection consists of images of land capes, portraits, housing and scenes of every lay life and ceremonial tradition. The show has a wide appeal, and Kennedy aid she thinks students, especially those study ng history, anthropology or ethnic studies, will especially take an interest in the art. “I hope viewers are stimulated to learn more ibout these people,” she said. In accordance with the exhibit, the gallery ilso is presenting an accompanying symposium 4ov. 13 and 14. The symposium will feature speakers w'ith :xpertise on Curtis as well as other photogra >hers of the Midwest. The exhibit opens today at the Great Plains Xrt Collection, 215 Love Library, 13th and R ;treets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln :ampus. The gallery is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. vlonday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Both the exhibit and the symposium are free ind open to the public. For more information, call the gallery at 402)472-3802. Courtesy Art EDWARD SHERIFF CURTIS opens his exhibit “Photographs of Plains Indians” Wednesday at the Great Plains Art Collection in Love Library. He will host a symposium on his work Nov. 13 and 14; pre-registration is advised. WHATEVER YOU DO... DO NOT RENEW YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL TERM LIFE INSURANCE WITHOUT CHECKING WITH US!!! We've been able to save our clients hundreds of dollars per year guaranteed for as long as 20 years vs. their current group life insurance rates. 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Most of the scenic shots of Nebraska aren’t exactly pretty and include pictures of the seediest parts of downtown Lincoln and Falls City. These hideous shots are then con trasted with barren snow-covered fields surrounding Falls City - leav ing one with a sense of complete des olation and a bad taste in the mouth for Nebraska and its residents. The accompanying twangy, tinny soundtrack also doesn’t help and only stands to reinforce the aforemen tioned stereotypes that Nebraskans already face - while also annoying the viewer. The film as a whole has an unflat tering and unwelcoming feel to it, but the story it tells is by no means a happy one, making the desolate pic tures almost too obvious. AMERICAN CHEW Quality Grooming Products for Men College of Hair Design m m A ^ A A Fm parking with 4/4~4J.44 $5 purchase with Park 'n Shop Tues 4. Thurs: 9am - 7pm Wed 4. Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: Bam - 3pm Mon: Retail/ReMI The brutal murder and amazing ignorance of the people who lived in the town make one realize how things as horrible as hate crimes can happen as often as they do. Most of the people in the film had no problems using words such as “fag” or “dyke” to describe Brandon, and interviews with the two convict ed murderers only added to the over whelming ignorance the film so delights in perpetuating. But if the ignorance of the mur derers wasn't enough, the stupidity of the law-enforcement officials made up for it, and then some. In numerous scenes, the film lets the viewer listen in on interviews between police officers and Brandon preceding his impending death that are more than outrageous. The police official repeatedly asks Brandon questions not even remotely pertaining to the matter at hand, namely Brandon’s rape. Most of the questions center on Brandon’s own personal sexual encounters outside of the rape and become quite offensive and explicit, yet at the same time continue to show that overwhelming ignorance through their sheer inappropriateness. Stories such as this most definite ly need to be heard, but it is question able that this film actually makes any headway in doing so. The Facts Title: “The Brandon Teena Story” Director: Susan Muska, Greta Olafsdottir Rating: NR Grade: C Five Words: Anti-hate film purveys stereotypes The horrible tragedy that ended Brandon’s life is presented convinc ingly, but at the same time it actively portrays Nebraska as a state full of trashy, homophobic chain-smokers who have zero tolerance for anything less than “white bread.” The film is an indictment of the entire state and its people based on a small nucleus of intolerance, save for one or two open-minded people who never take action. The idea that Nebraskans would want to see a film that so blatantly perpetuates everything they would normally stand against is another taste of bitter irony. A film like this one presumably has good intentions, but when it ends up reinforcing more negative ideas than it chastises, it’s hard to justify the Ross playing two extra screen ings. Wheh You Can't Breathe, it mwrCAN Nolhing Else Matters® I -ASSOCIATION. www.lunausa.ora NAZI CAMP On* erf *h» &ml P%\z>xv&