MT. RUSHMORE
37” x 57” Spray Paint on Panel with Resin
This painting depicts a group of Native American portraits in place of our fore fathers on Mount Rushmore. These fore fathers (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln) are celebrated for their early contributions of preserving the U.S. and expanding its territory. This giant memorial is highly controversial as it is was carved onto a mountain known to the Lakota tribe as Six Grandfathers. The mountain was seized from the Lakota's after the great Sioux War of 1876 even though it had previously been granted to them in the Treaty of Laramie in 1868. The Three Indians on the Right (Sitting Bull, Young Joseph and Three Eagles) are best known for their accomplishments and efforts in leading their bands through the extremely turbulent period of history where they were being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The larger bold image of Chief Joseph on the left depicts an image of Joseph when he is much older and the way he is largely remembered and recognized. It was during this time that Joseph became legendary as a humanitarian and a peacemaker while negotiating on behalf of himself and his tribe. Because of his wide publicity, reputation and admiration by the white man, Chief Joseph is one of the most recognized Native Americans and could be considered the true original fore father to this country.
