David Yarrow Scottish, b. 1966
Chief, 2020
Archival Pigment Print
Available in 2 sizes:
Standard - 52 x 69 inches
Large - 71 x 96 inches
Standard - 52 x 69 inches
Large - 71 x 96 inches
Edition of 12 plus 3 artist's proofs
Signed, editioned and dated on the bottom recto
CHIEF Devils Tower, USA – 2020 Over the last few weeks we have quietly been photographing senior American Indians against the backdrop of quintessential and emblematic American vistas. While we...
CHIEF
Devils Tower, USA – 2020
Over the last few weeks we have quietly been photographing senior American Indians against the backdrop of quintessential and emblematic American vistas.
While we will be releasing some of the series in the run up to the Presidential Election, this is not an overtly political statement from us. We know that American Indians have long had a leaning toward the Democratic Party, but we took this assignment on because it is relevant, not to be political.
There is wide recognition now that Christopher Columbus did not discover America in 1492 and the events in Minneapolis have accelerated the debate on the possibility of institutionalised racism in the teaching of American history. This is not a discussion we want to fully engage in - as we are ill equipped to add value, but I do want to celebrate some of the tribal elders I have had the fortune to encounter in the last month. Their pride, manners, grace and humility have been humbling. We have made new friends in the North.
The senior Elder of the fabled Lakota tribe is John Spotted Tail. We spent two days with him in Northern Wyoming and he was so excited to wear the headpiece that only the most senior Indian chiefs like him can wear. His attire was emphatically his decision not ours. Their heritage is integral to their souls.
The ground in front of Devils Tower has film history. It is, of course, where Spielberg shot Close Encounters of a Third. Kind immediately after the release of Jaws in 19p our canvas. We had our moment.
Devils Tower, USA – 2020
Over the last few weeks we have quietly been photographing senior American Indians against the backdrop of quintessential and emblematic American vistas.
While we will be releasing some of the series in the run up to the Presidential Election, this is not an overtly political statement from us. We know that American Indians have long had a leaning toward the Democratic Party, but we took this assignment on because it is relevant, not to be political.
There is wide recognition now that Christopher Columbus did not discover America in 1492 and the events in Minneapolis have accelerated the debate on the possibility of institutionalised racism in the teaching of American history. This is not a discussion we want to fully engage in - as we are ill equipped to add value, but I do want to celebrate some of the tribal elders I have had the fortune to encounter in the last month. Their pride, manners, grace and humility have been humbling. We have made new friends in the North.
The senior Elder of the fabled Lakota tribe is John Spotted Tail. We spent two days with him in Northern Wyoming and he was so excited to wear the headpiece that only the most senior Indian chiefs like him can wear. His attire was emphatically his decision not ours. Their heritage is integral to their souls.
The ground in front of Devils Tower has film history. It is, of course, where Spielberg shot Close Encounters of a Third. Kind immediately after the release of Jaws in 19p our canvas. We had our moment.