The New York Historical has received a landmark gift of 150 contemporary and historical works by Indigenous artists from Agnes Hsu-Tang, the chair of its board of trustees, and her husband Oscar Tang. The collection features major figures such as Fritz Scholder, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, and Cara Romero, spanning various media including ceramics and textiles. This acquisition represents the most significant gift of Native art to a New York institution since the founding of the Museum of the American Indian.
This donation marks a strategic shift for the institution as it prepares for the 250th anniversary of the United States, aiming to integrate Native history directly into the broader narrative of American history. By moving away from the traditional practice of siloing Indigenous art in specialized galleries, the museum intends to treat these works as essential historical documents. This approach challenges conventional art-historical canons and positions Indigenous perspectives as foundational to the American story rather than adjacent to it.