Browse Items (2 total)
-
Dakȟóta Ancestors
The mural Dakȟóta Ancestors by Danielle SeeWalker is a representation of Native American culture and heritage. The composition of the mural is centered around two female figures who represent the ancestors of the Dakota people. The side profiles of the women are depicted from their upper chest to head. This emphasizes how the women are turned to face each other, and most likely gazing at each other. Surrounding them are various Dakota floral designs. When the mural is split vertically, it reveals a symmetrical structure, with a large floral piece at the center and each woman positioned on opposite sides. Another smaller floral design is placed next to each figure, balancing the overall composition. Furthermore, each floral design is vertically symmetrical, contributing to the harmony of the mural.
The color palette in the mural is bold and highly saturated utilizing a vibrant array of colors. SeeWalker incorporates a large spectrum of colors, from the bright green of the older woman’s garment to the grey of her hair. The younger woman is shown in a purple top with black hair. The surrounding floral designs feature a variety of bright colors, each unique in tone, which highlights their individuality. By choosing bold, rich colors rather than the stereotypical palette often associated with Native American art, SeeWalker conveys a sense of strength and pride in the heritage of the Dakhota people. There is no shading in this mural. This deliberate absence of shading might serve to strengthen the visual impact of the piece, allowing each section to stand out. Each color is separated by strong black outlines, which help define the individual elements and add clarity to the composition.In terms of line, SeeWalker uses thick black lines throughout the mural, with a predominance of curved shapes. Most of the floral elements are composed of curves that converge to form pointed tips, with circles at the center of each flower. The women themselves are framed by curved lines, and their braided hair is depicted with small, repetitive curves that flow inward to the middle floral piece. This curving pattern guides the viewer’s eye through the mural, creating a sense of movement and unity. The only straight lines in the mural appear in the earrings of the figures, which are triangular in shape and filled with four smaller white triangles, adding a sharp contrast to the other organic forms. Within the earrings, there are lines of various colors that serve as a background to the white triangles. Additionally, it is also important to note the absence of some lines. There are no lines to define the features of the women’s faces.
Texture is minimal in the mural, as the focus is placed on the clarity of shapes and the relationship between the figures and the surrounding elements. The smooth surface of the brick wall allows the paint to appear flat and uninterrupted. However, the patterned circles on the women’s garments may suggest beading or decorative embellishment, subtly introducing a sense of texture through design rather than surface variation. Regarding space, SeeWalker uses the negative space around the women as a background to highlight the main focus, which is the ancestral women and the floral. The dark gray background allows the colors of the mural to pop out. Additionally, there is no overlapping between the women and the florals, which keeps each element distinct and separate, further highlighting the importance for both the figures and the floral designs. Overall, the mural's composition, color, line, and space work well to convey a sense of ancestral and cultural pride, inviting viewers to reflect on the connection between the Dakota people and their heritage.
-
DAKHOTA ANCESTORS
The arrangement of the mural is very symmetrical. At the center of the mural is a budding flower and the there is a woman’s face on each side of the flower. On the other side of the women’s faces there is another set of flowers. The focal point of the mural is on the two women that are facing each other. The Mural is full of different bold and vibrant colors with a solid dark grey backdrop. The simplicity of the backdrop makes the color of the women’s earrings and shirts stand out even more. The bright color gives an upbeat and positive vibe to the mural. An even thickness black line outlines almost every shape within the mural. The black line gives a crisp and polished finish to the mural making it feel extremely professional and detail oriented. The only shape in the mural not outlined by black are the solid white triangles within the earrings while even the polka dots on the shirt are outlined. The lines are both straight and sharp as well as rounded in the face and braids. The mural has the texture of a cinderblock wall behind it. When looking at the piece from a far the texture isn’t noticeable because your eye is drawn to the crisp colors and women’s faces however when you get up-close to look at detail the block texture is noticeable. The overcoming of the texture gives the women depicted an air of resiliency and overcoming obstacles in their own personal lives as they conquer the texture of the wall derailing their spotlight. One of the ways that the artist creates depth is within the women themselves. The braids of the women are obstructing the view of the women’s shirts and part of their faces. The way the jaw is outlined also creates a sense of depth with her chin seeming to protrude slightly from her throat.