New Daybreak Star Gallery show: Ramon Shiloh

Ramon Shiloh has had some of his work featured in our online store throughout this year and so we're very excited to be showcasing a collection of his work at the Daybreak Star Art Gallery. From now until 12/31, visit the Daybreak Star Art Gallery in Seattle for an up-close look at his work! Below is a preface of the exhibit by Shiloh himself.

Let’s be honest: omitting harsh realities and tragedies from U.S. history is as American as apple pie.

The United States is a country based in conflict, and though we now reference our strongest beliefs and state that we stand against racial prejudice and seek equality regarding our treatment of race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, this disregards the long history of those who fought against such ideas and who remain opposed to such progress. To rush to the end and not address this legacy of violence and intolerance would be a disservice to individuals and groups who lived and died-and who are still fighting-to move us forward, even if we cannot rightly say we have arrived. Today, the message is clear: in the United States, we may see the problem, but don’t want to hear about it. 

 In 2021, the discovery of the skeletal remains of Indigenous children throughout our boarding schools confirmed some of the worst about our horrific past and its still lingering effects, the continued echo of genocidal trauma, but finally our history is becoming clearer. Slivers of truth--about environmental degradation, food and housing insecurity, the disruption of our sovereign foodways, ongoing violence against women and children--are now disseminated across social media quickly and frequently, though often without a framework for how to actually take action. Today’s American extremist loathes the strengthening of marginalized voices such platforms provide, which is why U.S. History textbooks are increasingly of concern in politics, and yet, we are a country still delusional about our own history. Certain public officials strive to hide their ancestry and actions devoid of empathy or accountability through the white washing of U.S. history textbooks. They believe that to expose these truths is not only a sign of weakness but a discredit to their forefathers who were unapologetic about their cultural affairs. Conversely, those who understand our history, often lack the vision necessary to build a better future. 

 Through my work, Invisible Problems Well Documented explores a sampling of these environmental, political, social, and emotional concerns and exposes the consumption and commodification of Indigenous culture, knowledge, and, frankly, our people. The health and wellbeing of our future generations depends upon the acknowledgment of the good, bad, and ugly sides of the United States, at home and in the workplace. To create and reinforce positive social outcomes, rather than omit or forget the past, we need to educate ourselves, starting with the lessons of First Nations people, and acknowledge the truth of our ways to inspire a better future.

Ramon Shiloh