Star of the North, 2025

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This is a concept developed by Yoichiro Yoda and Jack Pavlik. 

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Star of the North (Minnesota State Motto)

 

This proposed installation would present the occupation of Minnesota by the federal government split view of historic nostalgia and the present struggle in the state. We will show aspects of community resilience that fight against the discrimination and mistreatment of its immigrant community, and at the same time offer a nostalgic view by referring to a historic figure that provokes the viewers’ current perception of Minnesota. 

 

This project would frame the nostalgia for Laura Ingalls Wilder (LIW) as a symbol of midwestern morality that stands in judgment and witness of the present occupation of the state with artifacts from Minnesota taken from scenes of contemporary protests and acts of resistance. These objects, presented in the presence of paintings of LIW would offer a look back at the history of this midwestern state and at the contemporary view of Minnesota society that would confront the viewers conception of this midwestern state.