Karen Clarkson (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)

Mixed media - size: 24"h x 24"w

This mixed media piece was created by taking an old photo of a young native woman wrapped in a blanket. I printed the photo on high quality Epson archival paper and coated it with clear acrylic. The background design is a combination of MMIWG photos which were stitched together and painted over. When assembling the pieces, I used a stylized reproduction of RBG's dissent collar which serves as wings. The painting contains 22 individual QR codes. Each code can be read by the viewer using any smart phone.

This work was precipitated by the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a Supreme Court justice, she was known for her advocacy regarding women's roles in society. The Sacred Voices of our women were amplified with her dissent and by her voice. I wanted to draw attention to the correlation between her and our native women of today as we stand up and speak our truth. We cannot fall silent. The dissent collar now acts as wings as we rise together. Our sisters are standing with us, watching.

When viewing this art, the QR codes will lead the viewer to varied information. There are videos, performance pieces, resources, interviews, articles and additional links on MMIWG. It gives voice as they become part of the painting. "WE RISE" is an interactive piece symbolizing the strength and unity of our common bonds as well as our determination to rise up together.