Chicago-based artistChris Pappanis carrying on this tradition with his multimedia portraits of different Native figures on historical documents.
Pappan’s mixed-media practice involves more than just ledgers, though.
Read on for our exclusive interview.
“Welcoming the New Dawn,” mixed media on Evanston municipal ledger, 18 x 36 inches, 2018
I have always been an artist.
After moving to Chicago, I did a short time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
In 2018, the gallery closed and Ive been a full-time artist ever since.
Left: “Quantum,” mixed media on embossed Evanston municipal ledger, 36 x 18 inches, 2020 | Center: “Land Acknowledgement Memorial,” digital image, public art multi-city installation, 2019 | Right: “Of White Bread and Miracles (Shield,” mixed media on Evanston municipal ledger, 36 x 18 inches, 2020
Can you tell us about the tradition of ledger art and how it plays a role in your practice?
That paper came from the ledger books of soldiers and merchants, then became known as ledger art.
Historical works were a continuation of narratives that had been painted on clothing, tipis, etc.
“Atom Heart Mother (Earth),” mixed media on ledger, 16 x 10 inches, 2016
I have also been influenced by other contemporary ledger artists who employ collages in their works.
I often collage pieces of contemporary or vintage maps which act as a ledger of stolen lands.
What is the significance behind drawing on the Boy Scouts of America neckerchiefs?
“Scout’s Honor,” ballpoint pen on vintage Boy Scout neckerchiefs, approximately 100 x 20 inches, 2020
These works are commenting on the problematic aspects of the Boy Scouts of America.
The popular defense of racist mascots is that they honor us and mean no offense.
I ask those that may find this work offensive to reflect upon their own experiences and question their complicity.
“Displaced Peoples,” acrylic and mixed media on wood panel, 40 x 30 inches, 2014
What kind of research do you do before starting a portrait?
I look at a lot of historical photographs and my drawings are based on those photos.
Usually, it takes asking people from those same communities to help identify them.
“La Sauvage,” mixed media on mining certificate, 9 x 7 inches, 2016
Is there a reason why you often choose to mirror the subjects in your portraits?
That started from a happy accident and I looked at it as a challenge to my drawing skills.
People will see that abstraction differently, bringing their own experience to the work.
“Axiom,” mixed media on ledger, 16 x 16 inches, 2016
I feel like I have been able to contribute to the tradition overall and helped to inspire other artists.
I want to relate my experience as a human being in this world.
I am also interested in expanding the scale of my work.
“See Haw Thwarts and Alien Invasion from the West,” mixed media on Evanston municipal ledger, 18 x 23 inches, 2019
