"Promisedland" Exhibition by Jesse Littlebird

Jesse Littlebird presents "Promisedland," an evocative new art exhibition composed of multimedia paintings that is set to challenge and expand the dialogue surrounding indigenous experience and a post-colonial time period.

In 2022, Littlebird posed the inquiry, “What happens to the Post-#LandBack generation?” In 2024, he not only expands on that question, but offers the next chapter in his ongoing painting career as a starting point for discussion, reflection and sustenance.

Jesse Littlebird, inspired by the spirit of T.C. Cannon, wields his brush like a warrior’s tomahawk, creating works that celebrate and interrogate the complex tapestry of indigenous life. Cannon's vibrant and poignant portrayals of Native American culture inspire a lineage of resistance and affirmation that Littlebird channels masterfully. Using bold colors and intricate patterns, Littlebird paints a world where past and future collide in the vibrant immediacy of the present.

Influenced by the daring expressions of Fritz Scholder, the storytelling prowess of Larry Littlebird, the raw intensity of Daniel Richter, and the revolutionary spirit of Basquiat, Jesse Littlebird’s "Promisedland" becomes a rich tapestry of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary narratives, each brushstroke resonating with the echoes of these artists and creating a dialogue that spans generations and geographies.

"Promisedland’ is a declaration of sovereignty and a reclamation of narrative,” said Littlebird, “The ongoing narrative of land rights and struggle for dignity across the globe that people in the West are fortunate to be ignorant to.”

Littlebird repurposes and subverts dominant cultural symbols to reveal the hidden truths and reclaim indigenous narratives, incorporating the concept of détournement, as explored by the French Situationists. His works navigate through the realms of simulation and simulacra, challenging the hyperreal portrayals of Native American life often depicted in mainstream media and Western movies. He deconstructs the mythologies imposed by these genres, offering instead a hyperreal vision that is rooted in genuine indigenous experiences and perspectives.

Jesse Littlebird's art invites viewers to embark on a journey through the myriad facets of indigenous existence. It is a visual symphony where every stroke narrates a story of survival, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Native peoples. His paintings stand as both a tribute to those who have walked before us and a beacon of hope for future generations.

The “Promisedland” series will be on display and available daily for purchase at Lapis Room from August 8th to September 22nd, 2024 and at Blue Rain Gallery on August 15th.