Concrete Indians

“Portraits of the Urban Indian experience.”

“Concrete Indians” is a portraiture series (of large scale black & white portraits) and exploration of Indigenous collective identity.  Since its first inception, the response to this series has been overwhelming; Native people from across Turtle Island have been submitting their ideas regarding what it means to be urbanized and how living in urban centers either strengthens or weakens (or both) ones own cultural identity.  This is an ongoing series which will result in an exhibit tour and photo book. The exhibit portion of the series will be showcased in galleries, venues and community centres throughout Canada and the United States.

Participate

If you’re interested in being in this series, contemplate on what the concept of Native Identity means to you and how it’s affected by living in your city. Then fill out the form below + click “Send“. Note: There are no fees or costs to shoot CI portraits, unless it involves the use of studio. Studio light + space (if applicable) is not provided or covered. All sessions are conducted during the photographer’s free time and require signing a Release Form prior to shooting which grants the photographer permission to place the images within her portfolio(s) + use them for exhibitional purposes. All official exhibit selections are converted to Black & White.

Portraits

The “Concrete Indians” portraits seen above are official selections, featuring: Jennifer Podemski, Darrell Dennis, Michaela Washburn, Waawaate Fobister, Louie Gong, Tracy Rector, Lisa Charleyboy, Jessica Yee, Anthony Henhawk, Tee Lyn Copenace, Rosary Spence and Jacob Pratt.

Videos

Exhibit History

Some portraits have been selected to exhibit in various group & solo exhibitions. Let us know if you’re interested in bringing “Concrete Indians” to your community / art centre.

• 2009, Edmonton AB – “Transforming Motion”, The Works Festival, curated by Terrance Houle
• 2009, Calgary AB – “Transforming Motion”, The New Gallery, curated by Terrance Houle
• 2008, Toronto ON – “HOW: Engagements with the Hollywood Indian”, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, curated by Ryan Rice
• 2008, Seattle WA – “Expressions: The Insights of Urban Indian Identity”, presented by Longhouse Media
• 2008, Cleveland OH – “Between Two Worlds”, presented by Notre Dame College

Postcards + Promo

The following graphics are available to download/ save + repost! Chi-miigwech (a really big thank you) goes out to Mark Rutledge [mhr] studios and Victor Pascual at DGTL/NVJO™ for launching the fresh annual Spring & Summer postcards & online promo.

Spring + Summer ‘10

www.mhr-studios.com

Postcard (pdf)

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Spring + Summer ‘09

www.dnvjostudio.com

Postcard (pdf)

Postcard (pdf)

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