Subject Matters

We spoke with Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation, b. 1954) about his work Health of the People is the Highest Law (2019) made in response to the ongoing health crises affecting Native communities, which have now been critically exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Around the world, disproportionate death rates from COVID-19 are further revealing social inequities and are hitting minority communities the hardest.

Subject Matters is a new series of artist interviews exploring contemporary social, economic, and political issues through the lens of an artwork—the featured artists are committed to bringing greater awareness to urgent matters, and their insights are as instructive as ever.

Health of the People is the Highest Law was on view at MoMA PS1 in 2019 in the exhibition Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Surviving Active Shooter Custer.