The Akron Art Museum will present “Kent Monkman: History Is Painted by the Victors” from April 11 through August 17, 2026, making Akron the only Midwest venue on the exhibition’s national tour. Organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Denver Art Museum, the show offers a mid-career survey of the acclaimed Cree artist spanning more than two decades of work.

Monkman’s large-scale paintings reimagine the tradition of history painting to challenge colonial narratives and amplify perspectives long excluded from dominant accounts of the past. The exhibition addresses the climate crisis, government policies affecting Indigenous peoples, intergenerational trauma, and the experiences of Two-Spirit, queer and trans Indigenous communities. Works on loan include pieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as well as from private collections.

“Kent Monkman’s monumental works ask us to confront difficult truths while also creating space for reflection, humor and resilience,” said Jon Fiume, CEO and executive director of the Akron Art Museum. “Presenting this exhibition in Akron underscores the museum’s mission to bring world-class contemporary art to our region and to amplify voices that challenge and expand our understanding of history.”

Monkman will present a free artist conversation on April 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch Auditorium, followed by an opening celebration at the museum from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Akron Art Museum is located at 1 S. High St. in downtown Akron and is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. Adult general admission is $12; Thursdays offer free gallery admission.

Source: Akron.com