EUGENE TAPAHE / JULY 1-SEPTEMBER 30

Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project

Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project originated from a dream Tapahe had during the COVID-19 pandemic – inspiring him to unite the land and people through the Ojibwe jingle dress dance during uncertain times of sickness and social differences. Tapahe has since traveled over 25,000 miles documenting family members dancing the healing jingle dress dance in National Parks and Monuments, honoring the places where their ancestors once lived. This project has not only healed Tapahe’s family and ancestors – the work has received national and international recognition for its uniting effect on other communities.

In the process of photographing, Tapahe found one overarching metaphor. “I put my hand on one of the jingles and I shook it. That one jingle didn’t make any sound,” he said. “But together, they have the power to heal. As human beings, if we are able to unite ourselves and our prayers and make a beautiful sound as the jingle dress does, we could be powerful."

For me, the art is in the process and creation of my work – it’s healing – this sacred connection with nature. I hope my art creates this same peaceful and harmonious connection with the earth because it is necessary to sustain our identity and life.

- Eugene Tapahe

Eugene Tapahe, 'Indian Land, Palm Springs, CA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Indian Land, Palm Springs, CA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Remember Our Sisters, MMIW, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Remember Our Sisters, MMIW, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Nizhoni (Beautiful), Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Nizhoni (Beautiful), Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'The Beginning, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT'

Eugene Tapahe, 'The Beginning, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Dignity and Grace, La Push Beach, WA, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Quileute'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Dignity and Grace, La Push Beach, WA, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Quileute'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Granite and Grace, Yosemite National Park, CA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Granite and Grace, Yosemite National Park, CA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Solidarity, Sisterhood, Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Solidarity, Sisterhood, Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Togetherness, Sisters, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Togetherness, Sisters, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Strength and Dignity, La Push Beach, WA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Strength and Dignity, La Push Beach, WA'

Eugene Tapahe, 'We Are Still Here 2, Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'We Are Still Here 2, Monument Valley, AZ'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Four Worlds, Teton National Park, WY, Cayuse, Umatilla, Newe Sogobia and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Four Worlds, Teton National Park, WY, Cayuse, Umatilla, Newe Sogobia and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'The Gift, Yellowstone National Park, WY, Newe Sogobia, Apsáalooke and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'The Gift, Yellowstone National Park, WY, Newe Sogobia, Apsáalooke and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Spirit of the Land, Resilience, La Push Beach, WA, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Quileute'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Spirit of the Land, Resilience, La Push Beach, WA, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Quileute'

Eugene Tapahe, 'We Come From the Land, La Push Beach, WA

Eugene Tapahe, 'We Come From the Land, La Push Beach, WA

Eugene Tapahe, 'Ancestral Strength, Teton National Park, WY, Cayuse, Umatilla, Newe Sogobia and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Ancestral Strength, Teton National Park, WY, Cayuse, Umatilla, Newe Sogobia and Tséstho’e'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Eternal Legacy, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Eugene Tapahe, 'Eternal Legacy, Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Goshute and Timpanogos'

Photographs from the series are available in editions of 5 at 38 x 56”, or 43.5 x 61.5” after matting and framing.

Eugene Tapahe is a Diné (Navajo) artist from Window Rock, Arizona now based in Provo, Utah. Tapahe knew he was going to be an artist from a young age and has since traversed many disciplines inspired by his upbringing in the Navajo Nation. His most recent bodies of work have incorporated both photography and land installation.

Eugene Tapahe has a distinct ability to capture the essence of his subject matter. In his photography series Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project, Tapahe uses natural light as a means of documenting the spiritual exchange of the Ojibwe jingle dress dance with the land. The Ojibwe dress is a sacred form of regalia ornamented with multiple rows of metal cones that create a jingling sound as the dancer moves, and is a significant symbol for healing and unity.

Regardless of medium, Tapahe’s work holds a power that mends the past and creates hope for the future. Eugene Tapahe continues to make work inspired by his ancestry and reverence for the land. 

For more information on artwork details and acquisition, please contact us at info@modernwestfineart.com.