About 90 artworks - paintings, graphics and sculptures from the collection of the Ethnological Museum - offer an unusual insight into Native American art of the late 20th century from the USA and Canada. The exhibition focuses on developments over the past forty years in the art movement termed Native American modernism that is little known in Germany despite the traditional admiration for American Indian culture.

Numerous innovative works explore everyday social, political, economic and cultural aspects of North American multi-ethnic society. Although the subject of indigenous origins is a common thread throughout these works, it is not their sole preoccupation. The artists may be deeply rooted in their respective Native communities or may have consciously turned away from traditional styles, media and content to establish themselves on the international art market - yet their political message remains, often conveyed with irony.

The exhibition includes works by David Bradley, Ben Buffalo, Neil David, Harry Fonseca, R.C. Gorman, Bob Haozous, Allan Houser, Jerry Ingram, Michael Kabotie, Frank La Pena, Milland Lomakema, George Longfish, Norval Morrisseau, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Lawrence Paul, Kevin Red Star, Fritz Scholder Robert Davidson, Frances Dick, Calvin Hunt, Tony Hunt, John Livingston, Clarence S. Mills, Susan A. Point, Art Thompson.