Unceded No 2

In this haunting landscape series, a vibrant, dimension-filled mountain slice peeks out from beneath dull, muted surroundings. This dynamic mountain embodies the Native American people, their land stolen, their stories silenced.

As an anti-racist white person, descendant of those who perpetrated Native American genocide, I find myself grieving. The vibrant mountains pulse with oral histories and knowledge now lost to us, a stark reminder of the culture and lives extinguished.

The painting's elements speak volumes:

- The solitary cactus represents individualism

- The expansive, dull terrain symbolizes power hoarding

- Red spots in the vibrant mountains signify the millions of Native American lives lost to colonialist genocide

This piece was born from the weight of standing on stolen land, a legacy of over 500 years. As I witness the ongoing Palestinian genocide at the hands of Israeli and US governments, I'm reminded of the cyclical nature of such atrocities against indigenous peoples worldwide.

While not depicting a specific location, this work captures the masking and bleaching effect of white supremacy in the aftermath of historical horrors. It's a reflection on how dominant white supremacist culture flattens dissent, harming even those with privilege.

Through this art, I invite viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared history and consider the ongoing impact of past genocides on our present reality.