Superior artist explores visions of astrology

• John Bernard Feather

Superior artist John Bernard Feather gestures while explaining the symbolism of his Scorpio, “Beneath the Surface,” part of his “Astrological Visions” exhibit at Superior’s North End Arts Gallery. The show ends next week. (Robin Washington / rwashington@duluthnews.com)

Talk about it

Astrology, whether you subscribe to it or not, offers no end of symbolism. Add American Indian imagery into the mix and the result is infinity squared — very likely the answer to what appears to be a physics problem in John Bernard Feather’s Virgo, “Realms of Radiance.”

“People ask me ‘Why astrology?’ ” says Feather, a Superior resident and enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux who studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, the U of M and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. “It’s because it’s never been done before. I love stepping into areas that people say Native Americans should never go.”

The twelve acrylic zodiacs and other works comprising “Astrological Visions” at Superior’s North End Arts Gallery above the Red Mug coffeehouse go far beyond the requisite lions, scales and water carriers. Look-agains include everything from a proud woman holding a dripping rainbow to a ghostly Crazy Horse charging toward a UFO beam over a sailing ship. Not to mention Mr. Franklin.

“Us and Old Ben,” he says of the Dali-esque $100 bill figure peering behind an Indian Sagittarius archer. “We go back for days and days.”

Implied is that one knows of the Iroquoisan roots to Franklin’s Articles of Confederation. Or not. Maybe all that’s required is an appreciation for color, trompe l’oeil, strong figures and beautiful women.

“That’s my girlfriend,” he says of his Scorpio.

She is fleeting, as are all true loves. The show ends Nov. 30.

Go see it

What: Astrological Visions by John Bernard Feather

Where: North End Arts Gallery, Broadway Street and Hammond Avenue, Superior

Info: (715) 392-6007

Tags: arts and entertainment, life, superior, entertainment