Aesthetic Resistance

Aesthetic Resistance: The Paintings of the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz Island

Presenter: Madison Tinsley

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Department: Anthropology

Funding Source/Sponsor: McNair

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11GfWgdu1A-z56SKYppGwKUOvNGI7QwG1

Abstract:
The 1969-1971 Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island was a historically significant protest that was intended to bring attention to the injustices that Native American communities face. The occupiers left behind 200 graffiti-style paintings of political slogans and personal messages. These paintings serve as a form of aesthetic resistance and as a visual diary of the occupiers’ experiences. This research examines the historic value and conditions of the paintings along with the actions of the NPS regarding them. The goal of this project is to make the argument that the occupation’s artwork should be considered historical paintings, and more efforts should be made to preserve them. Through archival research and attending events involving presentations from the original occupiers, I answered the questions: Are the paintings from the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island legally protected as historical paintings?What efforts are in place to protect the paintings?