In my experience as a journalist, I have always seen art through the lens of human connection. A single painting can have the potential to connect stories, emotions, colors and people in a room. Yet, I had never thought about the connection that modern art can lend to traditional art.

This past Saturday, the Modern Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) introduced carefully curated artwork for the 2019 Wisconsin Triennial Exhibition. The gallery spoke to the accomplished and unique Wisconsin artistic community by sampling new and seasoned artists statewide. Look through these photos to learn more about the pieces and the artists themselves.

As an homage to Wisconsin’s Native American community, the MMoCA featured multiple artists who focus on tribal experience, something that was often lacking in past exhibits.

In this series, Tom Jones is recreating photographs he took of his tribe, the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Jones uses the Native American tradition of bead working as a metaphor for his Ho-Chunk ancestors and their spirits.

The opening of the Wisconsin Triennial attracted many from all over Wisconsin, including family and friends of the artists looking to congratulate them. Artists stood by their pieces and guests were given the rare chance to ask them about their inspiration, process and career.