Mixed Race Studies

Debra Yepa-Pappan: Dual(ing) Identities

Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
108 Cathedral Place
Santa Fe, New Mexico
2012-08-17 through 2012-12-31

SmDivine Spirits

This exhibition focuses on Debra Yepa-Pappan’s reflective group of works that explore her dual identities. Yepa-Pappan is of Jemez Pueblo and Korean heritage. Through this multilayered collection of work, Yepa-Pappan layers instances of history, pop culture, stereotypes, authenticity, family, her identity, and the urban environment together. Through her dual identities, she embraces change in tradition as a reflection of herself, yet she also duels with the labels placed upon her.
 
About the Artist: DEBRA YEPA-PAPPAN was born in Korea in 1971 to a Korean mother and Jemez Pueblo father. She came to the U.S. with her mother when she was 5 months old. At this time, she was enrolled as Jemez Pueblo before becoming a U.S. citizen. In her work, Yepa-Pappan shares her experiences of being a mixed-race Asian/Native American living in an urban area, while exploring the issues of identity and challenging American Indian stereotypes. Having spent the majority of her life in Chicago, she is influenced by contemporary and urban culture, along with her deep connection to Jemez Pueblo. Because of her parents and their own strong ties to their cultures, she has a strong sense of self. She says, “I know who I am and where my people come from.” Yepa-Pappan attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and graduated with an Associates of Fine Arts in two- and three-dimensional art in 1992…

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Design Yourself: IAMNMAI Art Jam

National Museum of the American Indian
Potomac Atrium, 1st level
Fourth Street & Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C.
2012-12-08, 19:00-22:00 EST (Local Time)

Design Yourself: IAMNMAI Art Jam” is an artistic partnership designed to explore issues of identity, community and mixed heritage through art while reminding us that everyone, in their own way, is part of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).

The program features Louie Gong (Nooksack/Chinese/Scottish/French), a Seattle-based educator and artist, and his newly-released customizable art toy dubbed “Mockups.” Local guest artists including Lee Newman, Chris Pappan, Lisa Schumaier and Debra Yepa-Pappan and visitors join him for an interactive evening of creativity, music, and celebration.

“Mock-ups” are available for purchase and art supplies are provided for those who wish to customize their Mockups at the museum.

Groove to local DJ Will Eastman and purchase cuisine from the museum’s Rammy award-winning Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe during the program.

A unique display of artwork, including Gong’s custom shoes and “Mockups” created by guest artists, is on view in the Potomac Atrium Dec. 4 – 13.

For more information, click here.