The current exhibition by New Red Order has been conceived in the format of a fair as a means of subverting the colonial and racist narratives that were often presented in the historical World Fairs, which usually showcased Indigenous groups in stereotypical and dehumanizing ways. Instead, The World's UnFair invites visitors to engage with Indigenous perspectives and histories, and to consider the possibility of land rematriation, which means restoring relationships and balance between Indigenous groups and their ancestral lands.

The exhibition features several installations that explore these themes, such as Welcome as Warning, a large billboard with eagle's eyes that greets visitors with the message “Give it back.” Another installation is Dexter and Sinister, a giant animatronic talking tree and beaver that discuss land and private property in a humorous and philosophical way. The exhibition also includes a video installation called Give It Back, which showcases examples of people and organizations that have voluntarily given land back to Indigenous groups.

The World's UnFair is not only an artistic intervention, but also a call to action. Visitors are given QR codes that direct them to fundraisers and organizations supporting land rematriation. The project also aims to support “an ongoing effort for Indigenous cultural organizations and artists to receive land and form a pan-Indigenous cultural center in New York,” according to The Art Newspaper.

New Red Order is an artists collective that describes itself as “a public secret society of informants and collaborators dedicated to rechannelling desires for indigeneity towards the expansion of Indigenous futures.” It is composed of core members Adam Khalil, Zack Khalil and Jackson Polys, who are all Indigenous artists from different tribes, and a network of collaborators from various backgrounds and disciplines.

This exhibition was commissioned by Creative Time, a public arts organization that has been presenting innovative and socially engaged art projects for nearly 50 years. Creative Time's executive director Justine Ludwig said in a statement: “New Red Order’s work is urgent, necessary, and deeply resonant with our current moment. Their practice challenges us to confront our own complicity in systems of oppression and imagine new possibilities for the future.”

The exhibition is open until October 15 in Long Island City, Queens, on an empty lot that was once part of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs. It is free and open to all from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm. You can also join some of the upcoming events, such as performances, workshops and panel discussions, that will take place during the exhibition's run. For more information on upcoming events and artistic projects organized by Creative Time, please check their site.

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