The Native Guide Project, 2019-Present
Tsouhlarakis employs her signature economy of style and message in this large site-specific re-installation of The Native Guide Project, which will be presented across key public areas of Breckenridge’s Arts District. Using the familiar medium of large-scale signs and banners, in clean black and white layouts of short text produced in Helvetica typeface and installed on existing building exteriors, structures and in public places, the artist’s message simultaneously blends in and stands out.
This project was conceived during her 2019-2020 artist residency at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Tsouhlarakis had a studio in the museum and during this time she engaged in conversations with museum education staff on their pedagogical strategies, specifically what key themes and ideas they wanted visitors to walk away with.
As an educator, Tsouhlarakis was inspired by the method of engaging the viewer in a positive and often affirming exchange, that can also be read as sassy or cheeky. Phrases such as, “I REALLY LIKE HOW YOU RESPECT NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS,” may make the viewer say, yes, I do respect the rights of Native Americans. Or, perhaps the statement makes them consider whether they really do and how they can do better. It is the scale and directness of the message that make this work uniquely impactful. By approaching challenging topics in this way, the artist makes space for positive and thoughtful dialogue and consideration.