Photograph by Russell James. Collaborative art by Jamie Okuma (USA).
Okuma: The subject in the portrait portrays a 21st century Native American. In the sunglasses the United States of America is seen through “Red Eyes”. The red lens illustrates a country, a people, and a belief. Native Americans will always see this country as Indian country, a “red country”. It is a visual reminder to all people that Indians inhabited this country from coast to coast. The flag represents my love and respect of this country. Numerous relatives fought and lived under this banner. It is a symbol of our survival and adaptation.