Liberty?
Found objects, artifacts, acrylic paint, and epoxy on wood panel. Private commission installed in a private residence overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
6’ x 6’ x 8”
Based on the Buffalo Nickel from the early 1900’s. A composite portrait of Chief Iron Tail of the Oglala Lakota, Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne, and Chief John Big Tree of the Kiowa. They chose to use the image of both the Native American and Buffalo so that it “could not be mistaken for any other country’s coin”.
Used the image, destroyed the image-bearer. The edited date, “1831”, marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears.
While creating this piece I was mostly reflecting, reckoning and grieving. My temptation is to try to explain it all here. To make a compelling argument or revelation. But instead, I would rather invite you to slow down and look intently.
Observe this sculpture of a Native American. It’s form created by the waste and excess discarded by the New America.
What story does it speak? Is it tragic? Hopeful? Worth it? Wasteful? Ugly? Honest?
Observe, without any pressure to figure it out. Or defend your position. Or attack another’s.