Roberto Dyea
Statement
My traditional patterns fused with manga elicit curiosity and fear about existence and have you questioning your own identity. The Pueblo of Laguna designs planted on the protagonist's face are a real aspect of the land today, or discomfort of confrontation. We, as a whole, have been disconnected from Indigenous tribes who were raided by the White European colonizers. Now, the Indigenous nations are slowly losing their language, traditions, and identity. It's time to understand the perspectives of 574 recognized and 1000 unrecognized tribes. It's time to discard Indigenous written novels, graphic novels, articles, textbooks by the White colonizers. Through my work I intend to increase Indigenous’ chances to raise their voices, creating (e) an invitation to American Society to have controversial discussions with Indigenous people. It is essential that we educate ourselves about whose lands we're standing on. The next step is to coexist with one another to defeat the ongoing event called "The White Man's Game."
I believe art has the power and responsibility to point out the importance of the existing tribes by speaking to pride, bravery, survival, and victories for Indigenous nations; unraveling the sense of sovereignty rights and human rights. I attach the weight to create artwork that involves tribal designs, traditions, and languages that are ongoing for centuries. I was taught and raised with the traditional understanding of the world and the importance of community. In addition to traditional knowledge, I grasp the responsibility to share my perspective and the humanity we all share. I focus (ed) my energy upon educating the non-native viewers. Because the results were neglect and denial of genocide, it became the reason how my artwork is involved in "The White Man's Game." It is the ongoing battle between the First Nations vs. the Colonizers.
I continue to consider myself a passionate Indigenous Illustrator of manga with the fusion of my Pueblo of Laguna designs. I continue to accelerate my current abilities with my illustrative drawings that consist of line weights and forms with speed, time, and movement. While I obtain a deep connection to my tribe, my ultimate intention as an Indigenous artist is to have a meaningful interaction with the audience through manga-fused artwork. My ongoing artwork is research based on the Pueblo of Laguna's art, history, and ceremonies. I illustrated Rage Against Mayhem's manga project, which consists of pottery tribal designs and the language called Keresan. It is an ongoing pursuit.
With my current artwork, I provide an invitation for non-native audiences to see the reality of this American century. I am no longer interested in pity and sorrow. I only seek honest opinions from the audience. I love to illustrate my people. However, I also hold individuals accountable for those who purposely plan to cause harmful stereotypes through their media, designs, tokenization against my people. I prefer it that way.
I will continue to live on throughout the obstacles I may face.
Lastly, I will cling to the memories of my people. Always.
Community Arts (MFA) Students