Tristan McTague

Appropriate Depiction of an Ojibway

When asked "what does an American Indian look like in the modern day?" what do you envision? has popular culture skewed your perception on Indigenous peoples?this work aims to spark conversation around one's personal understanding of Indigenous culture.

“As a fair skinned Indigenous person who grew up in the city of Toronto, discourse regarding my identity has always been questioned. this painting utilizes hypervisibility to enforce my identity as a proud Ojibway male.The overabundance of cheaply made, kitsch-y aesthetic of Indigenous themed items often fall back on prevalent stereotypes not regarding any particular nation. My inclusion alongside the ironically large amount of pan-Indigenous objects bring forth discussions of authenticity and representation. Taking ownership against these stereotypes; reclaiming the image that popular culture has presented us as with fortitude and self-assurance, allowing humour as resistance to laugh at these oppressive forces.”