mona cliff

artist statement

My work explores generational knowledge and how we use contemporary materials to signify indigenous identity. These materials which exist for cultural adornment are used as a carrier for sharing my own personal experiences of movement through micro climates and regions of our country. I also use these materials to explore native views of connection to land. I use traditional materials in exploration of native women's empowerment. Native futurism, contemporary Indigenous identity are primary themes throughout my most recent work.

ARTIST BIO

Mona Cliff, (Hanook-gah-neeh/ Spottedcloud) is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre tribe (A'aninin/Nakota Nations) of Ft. Belknap, MT. Mona is multidisciplinary visual artist, she explores the subject of contemporary Indigenous identity and culture through her use of traditional Native crafting methods such as seed bead embroidery and fabric applique. Beadwork & sewing applique have been a primary foundation of her artist practice. Mona acquired a B.F.A in Printmaking from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA.

She has two site specific beaded pieces in the permanent collection at the Kansas City Museum. She has recently concluded a commissioned beaded piece spanning 17 ft' for the Kansas City Airport Terminal' 1% for the arts program. She has concluded several public art projects in the summer of 2023 which include 4 murals in the Kansas area, including Haskell Indian Nations University. 

Her upcoming Exhibits 2024 she will have a large-scale beaded for the New Worlds:Women to Watch 2024 exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C for the Women to Watch exhibition, she is currently working on a large beaded piece for Future Imaginaries, at the Autry Museum of the American West, L.A, CA 

Mona is married and has 3 children ages 13, 14 & 16 years old. She currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas.