L O O K O N T H E B R I G H T E R S I D E
LOOK ON THE BRIGHTER is a series revolves around the idea of the fusion of the traditional with the contemporary. It examines the modern identity of many natives through fashion and style of todays generation by combing older historical images of these Native Americans, from different nations, with a contemporary touch of color and fashion. Throughout the history of the United States there have been countless photographs taken of Native Americans. As i look at these images, I attempt to read the personality behind the face. I like to imagine how they would speak, the gestures they might make, and they way carried themselves. I observe the details in their eyes, hands, and how they are dressed. From these images, I have utmost appreciation for their strong traditional mindset, their way of life and what they stood for. As I try to imagine how their lives were, I am also reminded of how easy we have it made in these modern times. These simple question also arise, "If these individuals were alive today, what might they wear? Would they dress they we dress? Would they be disappointed in how we present ourselves?" Through this series of paintings I reinterpret these images, with bright colored clothing, design elements for the background, and the use of sunglasses. By adding these different modern elements, it is a way of connecting these two different generations of physical, mental, and spiritual ways of life. The sunglasses acts as barrier that distances the viewer and distorts the personal connection through the eyes.The title of the series draws on the underlying thought of; as Native people, having gone through so much throughout history, we still exist and are still present. We are still here and we have all the opportunities before us to achieve something great for our families and to honor the ones who came before us. We have to "Look on the brighter side" and establish a positive mind to accomplish these goals for the future of our people.