Encounters | Maggie Thompson

Bockley Gallery is pleased to open Encounters, a solo exhibition of text-based sculptural works by Maggie Thompson (Fond du Lac Ojibwe) that center the transformative role of adornment in resistance, solidarity, and healing.

The exhibition title refers to human and material encounters that inspire and sustain the artist’s practice. Working in a highly collaborative environment, Thompson draws on Ojibwe traditions and intuitive experimentation to bring textiles’ histories and functions into relation with her lived experiences. Confronting oppressive political and social hierarchies, Encounters contains and generates memories, stories, and complex emotions, often in critical dialogue with notions of Native authenticity.

Addressing lateral violence and the impact of blood quantum policies, the series Tug-of-War encases a game rope in hand-loomed Preciosa glass seed beads. With I Can’t Breathe, screen-printed face masks become ceremonial shawls to evoke solidarity across racial justice movements. A pair of intricate peyote-stitched glass bead earrings, Fuck This, extends a longstanding Native practice to reimagine the United States flag.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, Noon to 5:00 pm

Image: Maggie Thompson, I Can't Breathe, 2026, cotton, ink, ribbon, 49 x 102.5 inches overall (laid flat)