Deante’ Moore
Ancestry: Akimel O’odham / Black
Based In: Pflugerville, TX
Email: deantemoore@sbcglobal.net
Social Media: @deantemoore_
About the Art
I made an art piece that reflected my story as a Black Native person. The symbolism I used was significant to me as a Black person and my cultural heritage as an Akimel O’odham. I created my piece using digital art on my iPad starting on a blank virtual canvas. In the center of my piece is a self portrait of myself. In the artwork I have on a ribbon shirt and traditional face painting that is used in my tribe. To society I am viewed as a Black man so incorporating myself encompasses me embracing my appearance and representation as a Black Indigenous artist. Around my neck there is a Brown fist to represent Black power/pride and this is shown with white outline that is also shown on the outline of my body. This symbolizes my connection to my ancestors and empowerment on my Black side. On the bottom there are 7 O’odham wave symbols and the white outline of my body also is connected to the waves. This represents my importance of making decisions for the next 7 generations and connection to my Native ancestors and culture. The symbol around me is sacred to the O’odham and it is called I’itoi (man in the maze) which is the symbol of life. My life journey is only possible because of my ancestors on both sides and I’m still on my journey with connecting to my ancestors. The movements that pertain to my heritage are Black Lives Matter, which is on top of I’itoi, and the American Indian Movement symbol on the other top part of I’itoi. Lastly, I wanted everything to be different shades of brown to represent that Native and Black people come in all shades of brown and that brown is powerful, meaningful, beautiful and special.
About the Artist
I was born in Lawton, Oklahoma and was raised in Austin, Texas which is where I currently live. I have my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and minored in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health in adults at the University of North Texas. I have been creating art since I was 5 and love to draw, sketch, and paint. I recently got into digital art this past year and love it so much. I have accomplished a lot in my college experience through being a part of the Native population at my college. A few activities I’ve been a part of implementing were bringing recognition to Indigenous peoples Day officially, giving several presentations over mental health in Native populations and generational trauma in Native populations to the student community, and event planning regarding culture appropriation and culture appreciation, to the public. I’ve also been able to share songs and stories from my tribe in different seminars in the organizations I was involved in. I hope my art can speak to everyone. I’m proud to be who I am and am proud of where I come from and deeply acknowledge and appreciate my ancestors and carry the strength, resilience and power that is passed through generations. I am forever proud and grateful to be Black and Native.
