When you see Hello Kitty or a tardis near a teepee, you simply have to stop and study the image more closely. All of Debra Yepa-Pappan’s images offer this same kind of intrigue, and now through December 30, you can see her work on exhibit at Harold Washington Library Center.
The Logan Square native enjoys exploring her dual heritages (Jemez Pueblo and Korean), spiritual identity, love of the science fiction genre and images from Western culture in Adobe Photoshop. Her exhibit features self-portraits as well as unique collages of her daughter, Ji Hae, the day she performed her first Pueblo dance.
I asked Debra to share some of her favorite authors in honor of Native American Heritage Month. She recommends:
Leslie Marmon Silko, who will gained great recognition for her historical fiction book, Ceremony, examining a World War I vet's reintegration into reservation life.
Louise Erdrich's poems, short stories and fiction. I personally recommend Love Medicine - beautifully raw, with both hard and sweet stories that might make you cry.
Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-time Indian was a favorite of Debra's, though she was more familiar with his adult works. This humorous (and sometimes dark) tale of Arnold Spirit, Jr., who makes the brave decision to attend school off the reservation. I especially like the cartoon illustrations by Ellen Forney on every page.
Thomas King shares both creation stories and personal experiences in The Truth About Stories to underscore their social and historical importance. It's fascinating to explore how stories shape our lives and understanding of people.
Looking for more great reads? Check out my list of Native American books and movies for teens.
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