Description

24” x 16”

In this rendering, I pay tribute to Si Wa Wata Wa, a revered Zuni Elder whose image, captured in an old photograph by Edward S. Curtis, has left an indelible mark on my artistic soul. His presence, wrapped in a blanket with a handkerchief adorning his head, and the intensity of his gaze, is a testament to the enduring strength and wisdom of indigenous communities.

I chose to depict Si Wa Wata Wa on ledger paper as a poignant reminder of the historical practice of tracking Native American heritage through blood quantum—a system that imposed identity from the outside rather than allowing it to flourish organically. This paper, laden with numbers, is a powerful symbol of the struggles and resilience faced by indigenous communities.