In a groundbreaking display of Indigenous artistry, Times Square Arts and For Freedoms present Cannupa Hanska Luger’s Midéegaadi, an evocative multimedia commission set to illuminate the bustling heart of New York City. From April 1 to 30, 2025, this thought-provoking work will transform the iconic digital billboards of Times Square into a canvas for cultural reflection. Showcased nightly from 11:57 PM to midnight as part of the world-renowned Midnight Moment series, Midéegaadi invites viewers to engage with themes of regeneration, ancestral knowledge, and ecological harmony. Through video performances that depict the artist adorned in repurposed bison regalia, the project calls humanity to envision a future where North American bison return to their native lands. Rooted in Indigenous wisdom, this commission highlights the critical role of Native cultures in fostering global sustainability.

Luger’s Midéegaadi represents more than just a visual spectacle; it is a profound statement on humanity’s relationship with nature and heritage. The artwork features the artist performing traditional dances while wearing intricate regalia crafted from recycled materials, symbolizing both reverence for the past and innovation for the future. This installation aligns with Luger’s broader Future Ancestral Technologies initiative—a speculative fiction project exploring how ancient practices can inform modern solutions. By presenting these ideas through cutting-edge technology, Luger bridges the gap between tradition and progress, offering audiences a chance to reflect on their own connections to the land and its history.

Born on the Standing Rock Reservation and hailing from the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, Luger brings a lifetime of cultural insight to his multidisciplinary practice. His work spans monumental installations, sculpture, performance, ceramics, steelwork, fiber art, video, sound, and social collaboration. Each piece reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, empathy, and repair—qualities evident in Midéegaadi. As a 2025 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellow and recipient of numerous accolades, including the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts (2024) and Guggenheim Fellowship (2022), Luger continues to push boundaries in contemporary art.

Midéegaadi also serves as a continuation of Luger’s previous projects, such as the billboard campaign We Survive You for LANDBACK.Art / For Freedoms in 2021. Furthermore, the release of his upcoming artbook, SURVIVA: A Future Ancestral Field Guide, alongside an exhibition at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., underscores his dedication to sharing Indigenous perspectives globally.

For Freedoms and Times Square Arts have long championed civic dialogue through the arts, making them ideal collaborators for this endeavor. Their shared vision of fostering joy, connection, and justice aligns seamlessly with Luger’s mission to inspire belonging and responsibility among diverse communities. By showcasing Midéegaadi during the month of April, they ensure that millions of visitors and residents alike will experience the transformative power of Indigenous creativity.

This April, as Midéegaadi graces the screens of Times Square, it challenges viewers to reconsider their place within the natural world. Through its blend of ancestral traditions and futuristic concepts, the artwork not only honors the past but envisions a sustainable tomorrow. In doing so, it reinforces the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping global narratives about survival, resilience, and hope.