By Jasmyn Genchev
When talented people share their ideas with other talented people, amazing things happen. TPA junior Shaandiin Yazzie experienced it herself. After investing her time into an inter-generational collaboration team called Confluence, her hard work is now displayed in the Monte Vista gallery of the Heard Museum from Feb. 6 to April 17.
The goal of Confluence, literally meaning the merging of two rivers or ideas, is to bring awareness to the disrespect of the Native American culture. Their goal is to “End Cultural Exploitation.”
Shaandiin discovered the project from her father who saw the idea of Confluence on the Heard Museum Facebook page. She became interested immediately, and saw it as a calling for young artists to participate in a good cause. How was Shaandiin picked, for this amazing experience, you may ask. Her artwork spoke it all. It was chosen after she sent it in with her application.
The project combines the creativity from seven pairs of American Indian artists, one being a mentor artist and the other an emerging artist between the ages of 16 and 20. Each pair will create a piece of art or several, all of which point back to the same goal – respect. Shaandiin had the honor of being a part of one of these worthwhile partnerships.
While other groups created video games, murals and native dresses for a fashion show, Shaandiin, with the help of her mentor, Klee Benally, worked together to create something just as beautiful. Shaandiin created a special handmade doll, with a wireframe body built with her own hands and covered in epoxy putty. A rug dress was sewn onto its felt body, and a little beaded belt rests on its waist.
This doll will give out a very inspiring message. In its exhibit the doll is given a face, a woman to represent the doll’s perspective of being bought and sold. To assist the doll is a video or commercial, shown in the exhibit to give the doll more of a background.
To continue the theme of respect, a petition was also organized to try and remove all Native American costumes off the shelves throughout Halloween costume stores.
Shaandiin says, “I really enjoyed the project. I learned many things, both good and bad, about the world. It was definitely something I wasn’t used to doing, working on a large project with another person. I prefer to work alone so this was new.”
This project has proved to be a great experience, but after all the talent, hard work and collaboration is put into a strong cause, how can it not be?
