It was not until a little before my lifetime- approximately 25 years- that the Native American community began to use art as a means of creating a global consciousness around socioeconomic issues within the community. John Trudell speaks to the concerns of the Native American community when he states, “We’re concerned about … people on the reservations that, that are being forced to assimilate or die out. We’re worried about things like our language and culture. … It’s part of us”. To put more simply the ongoing struggle of the Native American community is that they are being treated inhumanely and forced to assimilate to western ideology. Meanwhile, their culture and identity is being washed away. When they refused to accept this treatment the aims of some artist within the community also change. This change is best articulated by Richard Ray Whitman when he states, “ [Art is] a way of manifesting the vitality of cultural information & experience - a way of comprehending. An alternative/departure from the (master) neo-colonial narratives. The possibilities that the creative-processes can offer… A More Honest Portraiture, A More Self-Determined Story… [if addressed with] A More Determined Eye, and of course with Inherent Responsibility”. This is where my interest lay, in the contemporary Native American art and its artist which serve to tell the untold stories of Native American people which has been left out of traditional history.
In this tab you can view the work of art activist Matika Wilbur, John Trudell, and Richard Ray Whitman. As this site more artist activist among the Native American Community will be added. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact me.
In this tab you can view the work of art activist Matika Wilbur, John Trudell, and Richard Ray Whitman. As this site more artist activist among the Native American Community will be added. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact me.
Thanks-taking
John Trudell
You call me Indian
and I do not recognize you I am of the People Indian a word spoken by a white man who did not know where he was Indian an illusion of the invaders oppression when you call me Indian my people suffer when you call me Indian Mother Earth is abused when you call me Indian I am of the people |
The People
who we have always been there is peace unity and balance amongst the people when you call me Indian my people quarrel when you call me Indian my people die We are the people the people shall live we are the people we are remembering ancient songs songs of the people before you call me Indian we are the people we shall continue |
Further Readings on John Trudell http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/12/08/remembering-life-and-legacy-john-trudell-162697
|
|
Richard Ray Whitman
"Independent film/video offers a way of manifesting the vitality of cultural information & experience - a way of comprehending. An alternative/departure from the (master) neo-colonial narratives. The possibilities that the creative-processes can offer… willing to explore, risks, etc...A More Honest Portraiture, A More Self-Determined Story… A More Determined Eye, and of course w/Inherent Responsibility. I try to act instinctively and accordingly as a TzoYaHa (Yuchi-person), as a multi-dimensional being, as an Artist."
Richard Ray Whitman is best known by the Native American community as a photographer, digital artist, videographer, actor and a longtime outspoken activist for Indigenous rights. The work showcased below comes from his Homeland Series and an exhibit he put on. Through his art he brought the Native American into modern day while still
Additional readings on Richard Ray Whitman:
http://www.britesites.com/native_artist_interviews/rwhitman.htm
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/12/16/if-you-need-indian-actor-and-artist-richard-ray-whitman-your-man-158318
Additional readings on Richard Ray Whitman:
http://www.britesites.com/native_artist_interviews/rwhitman.htm
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/12/16/if-you-need-indian-actor-and-artist-richard-ray-whitman-your-man-158318