Looking For America: Anchorage
Local Partners
Meet the Artists
Melissa shaginoff
“My auntie said: This is what decolonization looks like”
Acrylic, charcoal, beads of canvas
tristan morgan
“Untitled” portrait
Oil on birch wood
When discussing what it means to me to be American in Anchorage, it’s important to understand that I am first and foremost, an Iñupiaq woman. Being both Iñupiaq and American in my community are two intersecting identities that come with great responsibilities. I owe it not only to my people and ancestors to carry on our traditional knowledge and values, but to also share Iñupiaq values within the communities I am apart of in a contemporary fashion that furthers our traditional knowledge into the future; providing a voice for my people and our indigenous youth that are navigating both worlds, as well as well as honoring the inclusive cultural diversity of Anchorage. Being American to me, is about listening to your neighbor, acknowledging your heritage, and decolonization.
— Tristan morgan, on what it means to be american in anchorage
Rejoy armamento
“Kasama-sama” (“together” in Tagalog)
Pen and ink, chalk marker on watercolor paper
gabriela olmos
“The Tale of the New Migration”
Mixed media on amate paper
In The Tale of the New Migration, I use the original structure of the codex to speak of the battle
that contemporary migrants face while traveling to the United States. Although my journey was different, I
still view these migrants with an empathic heart. They are seeking a place where their spirits can flourish.
As an immigrant in Alaska, I see America as a new Promised Land.
— gabriela olmos, on what it means to be american in anchorage
Alex anoruk sallee
“Who We Are”
2 minute short film
Oscar avellaneda-cruz
“Pura Vida” | “Santa Muerte” | “Somos Primos”
Archival inkjet
indra arriaga
“Buen Provecho”
Mixed media, oils, clay, wood, gel, paper, metal and duct tape
Coming together as a family, a community, or even strangers to a table to share food is a fundamental right,
and a human practice that brings about important conversations that may lead to change and
understanding. "Buen Provecho" is an installation depicting a dinner table with four place settings. Each
place setting represents different aspects of my experience in looking for America. Every element in the
installation explores an experience, idea, or emotion about my immigrant experience using symbolism and
images, deconstructed paintings and photos. The artwork depicts joys and struggles of my personal
experience finding a place in the U.S. and the transcendent process of human individuation. The use of
quotidian items such as canned foods, dishes, and the representation of cutlery that have all been re-
imagined, brings the art piece closer to the viewer. "Buen Provecho" is my table, it can also be yours.
— indra arriaga, on what it means to be american in anchorage