GRIFFITH PARK—The Autry Museum at Griffith Park will present a new exhibition titled, “Reduction” that explores the significance of fire as a cultural tool from the perspective of two Native American artists.

The exhibition is by Marcella Ernest (Ojibwe) and Keli Mashburn (Osage), two artists who have more than 20 years of experience working with Native communities and landscapes. They will use a combination of moving imagery, color, film and black-and-white still photography, narration and music to show the importance of fire through its environmental, visual and metaphorical meanings.

The exhibit description on the Autry website reads, “In elemental terms, fire is simply the result of a chemical reaction called combustion. Yet its varied meanings and usage are far more complex and multivalent. This is especially true in the American West, where it is often seen in polarized terms, as either a natural and constructive tool for managing a range of ecosystems, or a fearsome, destructive force capable of wreaking havoc on life and property.”

“Reduction” will be open from December 20, 2016 to January 8, 2017 at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, located at 4700 Western Heritage Way. The museum hosts events and exhibitions about people of the American West from past to present. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On weekends, the exhibit is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is closed on Mondays.