The MMIP Painting Project began not as a project at all, but with the intent of it being just one painting to show support for the Missing & Murdered indigenous peoples crisis.
Artist Nayana LaFond created the first painting on May 5, 2020, the day of remembrance for MMIP. She shared it online and the response was so overwhelming she did one more, yet again intending that to be the end. The response to the second was even greater and so Nayana opened her inbox to anyone wanting to be painted not expecting the 25+ they received the first day. Stories and images of loved ones missing, murdered, survivors and advocates/activists. It was then that it became a project when Nayana decided to paint them all and they didn't stop coming.
As of August 2024, there are now 110 completed paintings and a constant queue. The paintings are done in black and white with red being the only color visible because many indigenous groups believe red is the only color spirits can see. The hand over their mouths symbolizes being silenced.
Nayana Lafond's paintings and sculptures can be seen in galleries and museums around the world. Her project, Portraits in Red: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project, has gained her international acclaim and is currently on display in museums around North America, including a Pacific Northwest Coastal tour, a tour through the Institute of American Indian Studies Museum and more.
Nayana is a domestic violence survivor and feels compelled to do this work to raise awareness and promote change and healing. The paintings are done for free and Nayana does not profit from the work in any way. She does not take monetary donations and instead asks people to donate to any of the many organizations working with families and toward change.
The HCA Curator Fellowship is an annual opportunity for an artist to apply to curate a gallery exhibition around a social theme. The selected candidate is mentored through the entire process of how to assemble, organize and coordinate the logistics of presenting a gallery exhibition. HCA is deeply honored to display Nayana Lafond's striking exhibition October 9-November 23, 2024.
Click the link below to learn more about how you can support the cause of the Missing & Murdered indigenous peoples crisis
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