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 portrait 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.

Behind-the-scene footage courtesy of: Jason Jenkins

2012 Tour

»»—► Toronto ON (ongoing)
Canadian & U.S cities TBA

Participate

If you’re interested in being in this series, contemplate on what being an urban Native means to you and form a portrait idea. Then fill out the form below + click “Send“. Note: There are no fees or costs to shoot Concrete Indian 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, Lisa Charleyboy, Jessica Yee, Anthony Henhawk, Tee Lyn Copenace, Rosary Spence, Jacob Pratt, and Terri-Lynn Swain.

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, Toronto ON – Creator Within Festival, Association for Native Development in the Performing & Visual Arts
• 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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