Adaptation
Artist
Jamie Okuma
(North American Indian, Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock, Okinawan, and Hawaiian, California, born 1977)
Date2011
MediumPair of Christian Louboutin Chaotic 100 ankle boots, glass and 24K gold-plated beads, and polyester tassels
DimensionsEach: 6 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 8 1/2 inches (16.51 × 8.57 × 21.59 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: A. Keith Brodkin Fund for the Acquisition of Contemporary American Indian Art
Object number2011.42.A,B
Markings"Christian Louboutin Made in Italy 39" impressed in the soles of shoes.
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 206
Collections
DescriptionPair of women's high heeled ankle boots covered with beadwork in floral geometric and pictographic horse design each further ornamented with gold tassels.Gallery LabelThis pair of contemporary shoes is exquisitely beaded in the tradition of American Indian moccasins. However, a sense of irony is communicated through the artist’s choice of materials and title: Adaptation. By choosing to embellish the product of a high fashion footwear designer, the artist makes two statements. Jamie Okuma refutes a stereotype that Native peoples live in the past and lack the sophistication to function in a global society. She also reminds the viewer that American Indians who remain committed to their Native heritage are often required to live in two worlds.
Torrence, Gaylord, ed. Continuum: North American Native Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Kansas City: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Copyright© Jamie Okuma
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Francis Frith
1862
2010.58.2
