Dugan Aguilar: A Portrait of Land and People in Native California
Dugan Aguilar’s landscape photography does more than capture the beauty of California’s natural scenery; it invites visitors to contemplate deep time, the ancestral connections to the land, and the spiritual traditions of Indigenous peoples. His images go beyond mere depictions of nature, transforming landscapes into powerful, living portraits of the land and its people. With his distinctive approach to photography, Aguilar’s work offers a profound reflection on the interplay between culture, environment, and history—an exploration that spans both the present and the past.
For #EarthMonth, guests to the museum are invited to experience Aguilar’s striking photography, spanning from 1982 to 2018. The exhibition showcases a rich variety of Indigenous experiences, from breathtaking landscapes of California to intimate glimpses of cultural gatherings, ceremonies, and traditional artistry, such as basket weaving. This collection offers a unique perspective on the continuity and renewal of Native traditions, presenting a vibrant and often overlooked community through the lens of an Indigenous artist.
A Visual Connection to Ancestral Lands
Aguilar’s landscapes are far from just picturesque views. The phrase “Deep Time” captures the essence of the stories behind his images—stories that connect the land to the generations of Native people who have cared for it for centuries. For Aguilar, the people in his photographs are not separate from the land; they are grounded in it. He often expresses that his photos are an embodiment of the spirit of the place and the people, emphasizing that his landscapes are not just physical locations, but portraits of ancestors who have lived and continue to live through these spaces.
One of Aguilar’s most evocative statements about his work reflects this idea: “. . . to me, the people in my photographs are really a grounded part of the Earth.” This grounding of people in the land speaks to a broader, spiritual connection that is evident in much of his work. The landscapes he captures become more than just images of natural beauty—they carry the weight of tradition, memory, and identity. As visitors explore these photographs, they are invited to experience the land as a living, breathing entity, full of stories and spirit.
A Legacy of Storytelling and Bringing the Land to Life
A key aspect of this exhibition is the opportunity for visitors to experience not just the images, but also the stories behind them. Two listening stations will bring Aguilar’s photographs to life through audio recordings, offering insight into the cultural significance of the landscapes and the people depicted. These stories deepen the viewing experience, providing additional context and meaning. Transcripts will also be available for those who prefer to read along.
Aguilar’s photography captures an insider’s perspective of California’s Indigenous communities, offering an intimate and unfiltered view of Native life. His work goes beyond documentation—it sparks a dialogue about cultural continuity, the challenges Indigenous communities face, and the spiritual connections that remain strong despite centuries of change. The exhibition at OMCA, drawn from the recently acquired Dugan Aguilar archive, celebrates his legacy and role in shaping how Indigenous experiences are understood. Aguilar’s images offer a rich, nuanced portrayal of Native communities, honoring tradition while highlighting their ongoing contributions.
A Deeper Understanding of Landscape Photography
As visitors explore Aguilar’s photographs, it’s important to remember that his landscapes are not simply about composition, light, and shadow—they are about relationships. They speak to the enduring connection between the land and its people, creating a bridge between past and present. Through his lens, landscapes transform into spiritual spaces, where each image becomes a part of a larger, ever-unfolding story of identity, heritage, and resilience.
Guests to the museum are invited to join us this #EarthMonth to celebrate the work of Dugan Aguilar, and take a step deeper into the landscape of California, where the land itself tells the stories of generations, and each photograph captures a piece of the spirit that connects all Indigenous peoples to their homelands.
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