Of Gods and Heroes

Gotham is being invaded by aliens and, at least in Lower Manhattan, Marvel Comic super heroes are rushing into battle to save the city.

This site specific exhibit which opened in October at the National Museum of the American Indian on Bowling Green, displays the work of comic artist Jeffrey Veregge(Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe) in a most bold way. Larger than life-size panels (resembling a huge comic book tell the story of the invasion and the race to confront the invaders. Jeffrey Veregge portrays these heroes using traditional tribal motifs and phrases from the S’Klallam language.

“For thousands of years, Native and non-Native storytellers have used art as a means to share the tales of their people,” Veregge said. “For me, I am simply carrying on a tradition that started with my ancestors by using the means of today, and all its modern conveniences, to share the tales that I love. Art evolves, artist tools advance, but the essence of what I do is the same as those who created with the canvases nature provided to tell the stories of gods and heroes long, long ago.”