5 DAYS OUT TO OUR LA OPENING!

Written by RussellJames on February 17, 2011

Brought Taboo face to face with himself yesterday. We caught up with at a signing of his new book 'Falling Up' (amazing read) and showed  the amazing work of collaborating NOmad Two Worlds artist Jamie Okuma. Tab was blown away, the detail of the works is truly amazing and you can see the piece as part of the collection in LA next week

CHECK OUR EVENTS TAB FOR OPENING TIMES AND DATES IN LA FEB 23-MARCH 3. SEE YOU THERE!

This is Jamies personal account of the art piece in 'Taboo' collaboration. Its is a compelling read and we are honored that Jamie has joined our collaboration.

History: I am a Luiseno (southern California), Wailaiki (central California) and Shoshone-Bannock (southern Idaho). My maternal Grandmother and Grandfather met at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside California in the 1930’s. They had four children, one girl (my mother) and three boys. My grandfather was born in 1923, in his mother and fathers house one half mile from where I now reside. The significance in his birthday is that 1923 was one year before Native Americans were granted citizenship in their own country. Slaves and immigrants had been granted citizenship 59 years prior to Native Americans.

Even though my Grandfather had not been born a citizen in his own county, he loved it so much he served in the navy during WWII. I also had uncles who also served in the military during WWII and Korea on the front lines as well as a flight instructor.

I will not speak for Native Americans as a whole but I can speck on behalf of my Luiseno and Shoshone family. Regardless of the injustices that have been in the past as well as in the present to the native people of this great country, we love this country like no other. Native Americans have voluntarily joined the military to fight for their country time and time again even having been survivors of a government that committed genocide on their ancestors. We still feel in our hearts and minds this is our county and we will fight to defend it.

Intent of my contribution: The subject in the portrait portrays a 21st century Native American. In the sunglasses The United States of America is seen through “Red eyes.” The color red in this instance is meant to have a commanding presence all on its own. It illustrates a country, a people, and a belief. Native Americans will always see this country as Indian country, a “red country.” It is a visual reminder to all people that Indians inhabited the country from coast to coast.

I used the flag in this piece because of my love and my family’s love for this country. I m alive today because my ancestors fought and “lived” through almost every war since European contact. The teepee is used here as a universal “Indian” symbol, to portray the Native American influence in the piece. Teepees were also the form of housing Shoshones used having been NOMADic people.

Jamie Okuma