On February 28, 2025, SITE SANTA FE in New Mexico will present DAHODIYINII – SACRED PLACES, a solo exhibition of the work of Dakota Mace. The Ellsworth Kelly Award will support this exhibition, organized by SITE SANTA FE Curator Brandee Caoba.
Mace’s ambitious exhibition will include over 2,000 newly-commissioned chemigrams and photographic prints made using crimson cochineal dye—a naturally-occurring dye made of insects native to Diné land and the Southwest United States. These suites of chemigrams and archival photographic prints will be accompanied by site-specific installations of video, audio, and performance that document Mace’s creative process. The exhibition will realize an unparalleled exploration of Diné culture, design, and heritage, foregrounded by Mace’s conversations with the land and connection to place.
Dakota Mace has been exploring compelling narratives throughout her body of work for over 10 years, and her work has been featured in several solo exhibitions in the Southwest and Midwest. “Dakota Mace's powerful visual language sheds light on the complexities of Indigenous histories, and positions Land and Body as an archive of memory and narrative,” said Caoba. “Her upcoming exhibition, DAHODIYINII – SACRED PLACES, marks a pivotal moment in Mace's career. It provides a platform for her to garner national recognition for her contributions to contemporary art and expands perspectives and representation of contemporary Indigenous artists.”
Founded in 1995 to establish the first international contemporary art biennial in the United States, SITE SANTA FE is a non-collecting art institution committed to supporting new developments in contemporary art, encouraging artistic exploration, and expanding traditional museum experiences. SITE SANTA FE presents a wide range of public and educational programs that include conversations with artists and curators, performances, film screenings, concerts, hands-on workshops, and collaborations with dozens of local schools and community organizations.
