Title: "MMIW, STRENGTH IN UNITY" Jingle Dress Project

Artist: Eugene Tapahe, Tapahe Photography

Year Completed: 2021

Medium: This lithograph is printed on museum archival handmade watercolor paper. Limited edition of 10. Film negative processed and developed in darkroom, Unframed.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 24" x 36"

Description/Inspiration:

"MMIW, Strength in Unity," is one of many photographs from the "Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project" series. This photograph was captured the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, native land of the Shoshone, Bannock, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce people.

This project originated from a dream Eugene Tapahe had. It was to unite the beauty of the land and healing power of the jingle dress dance. In order to bring hope, unity, and healing during these uncertain times due to social differences and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The jingle dress dance originated during the Spanish influenza of 1918-19. It came as a dream to an Ojibwe father whose daughter was sick with the virus. His dream revealed the new dress and dance that had the power to heal. When the dresses were made, they were given to four women to perform the dance. When the little girl heard the sound of the jingles, she became stronger. By the end of the night she was dancing too.

Tapahe's desire is to take the healing power of the jingle dress to the land and document the spiritual places where our ancestors once walked. This past year of the pandemic he and his family have traveled across America, from the west to the east coast to capture a series of photographs to document, bless and reclaim the land of our ancestors.

Artist Bio/Statement:

Navajo designer & Photographer, Eugene specializes in capturing the beautiful landscape and people of the Southwest. He receives inspiration from his grandmother, family, and culture. During Eugene's first years of life, he and his grandmother lived off the land and practiced the traditional ways of their ancestors - the true balance and harmony of Mother Earth and man.

As Tapahe grew in his profession of the graphic arts and design world, he always heard that inner-voice telling him that someday he will share another unique gift with others.

Later, in his first career choice he became overwhelmed by the influences of the modern world. He made life-changing adjustments to recreate his own balance and harmony in his new environment. Tapahe recently expressed his reverence for his new pursuit in photography , "I have always loved photography, from the first time I picked up a camera. I knew I had a gift for telling stories through my images."

Tapahe has a deep desire to improve his work and displays an ethic that is admirable. He hopes you will appreciate his images and stories they tell as he continues his creative journey.

Please note:

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