HOW TO MANUFACTURE A NARRATIVE, 2024
48 x 52 inch 122cm x132cm
Found Tomahawks mold, feather, bead, and leather from a TV set
Utilizing salvaged materials from the discarded production remnants of the upcoming Netflix series 'American Primeval,' these projects dive into an examination of the show's narrative construction. Through the salvaged materials, we reimagine how the series portrays and constructs a period in history.
The show’s synopsis depicts a rugged and adventurous journey through the tumultuous genesis of the American West—a landscape marked by violent clashes of cultures vying for control. However, beneath this surface narrative lies a troubling fabric of distortion and fabrication, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing damaging representations. Visual renderings retrieved from the dumpsters starkly expose the show's exploitation of historical traumas for entertainment, erasing the contemporary presence of Native Americans and exploiting their culture as mere artifacts.
Repurposing these salvaged materials becomes a form of resistance against the dominant narrative imposed by the show. By deconstructing and reconstructing these materials, we confront the inherent fabrication of narratives that prioritize certain perspectives while marginalizing others. The romanticization of conquest and colonization disregards the voices and experiences of indigenous peoples subjected to violence and displacement. Through repurposing, we disrupt this narrative by offering an alternative interpretation that challenges the glorification of violence and dominance.
Engaging in this act of subversion acknowledges the power dynamics in storytelling and media representation. The narratives we consume shape our understanding of the world and influence societal attitudes and behaviors, potentially justifying violence. By actively questioning and challenging these narratives, we aim to create more inclusive and equitable representations reflecting diverse human experiences.
