My work addresses the past, present and future conditions of Native Americans within the political, cultural and spiritual climate of America. I use film and digital media to approach various aspects of Native American life to contest the negative connotations attributed to Native Americans, which have historically affected the portrayal, identity and representation of Native Americans in mainstream White America. Through the utilization of film and digital media I depict contemporary portrayals of Native American life and identity that has begun to increasingly involve cultural preservation issues. Cultural preservation confronts the historical hegemony Native Americans have endured and addressing these issues provides today's society with contemporary depictions of Native Americans where normally very few exist. I come from a highly diverse ethnic background. I identify as being Native American (Mescalero Apache). The constant changes in local and global regions continues to redefine my identity and alter my perception of what it means to be Native American.
Contact: info@torrymendoza.com