Jeffrey Veregge

Native American-style Superheroes

Jeffrey Veregge is a Native American artist of the S'klallam tribe. As with most Native American tribes today, he and his people live on reservation, but are no strangers to modern day society, and have integrated it quite comfortably into their lives. Veregge has a particular interest in comic books, and these pieces are a result of the fusion of his interests in his tribal heritage and his love of comic book characters.

"This site, the work that is seen on it is a reflection of a lifetime love affair with comic books, toys, TV and film. Taking my passions and blending them with my Native perspective, artistic background and the desire to simply be me. Basically I am just trying to have fun and get back to that kid that went to art school to begin with, wanting to create artwork that I want to see and make just for the hell of it." - Jeffrey Veregge, source

Veregge does not want to be labelled as a stereotypical, traditional native american artist, nor a modern day artists who has moved away from his cultural heritage. He simply seeks to be himself, and pursue his own unique style and interests. Veregge's philosophy shown here is reflective of the message I am trying to show, that Native American culture and belief is not a thing of the past that we should ignore, It is something that can be, and to some extent already is, integrated into our lives. It can affect us and teach us in unique ways, and is something we should learn from and nurture, just as we would any other culture.

These particular prints are of Veregge's favorite super heroes, composed of shapes and patterns with roots in his tribal ancestry. They are a fusion of classical and contemporary art, and also of old and new society and beliefs. I think by showing a character as 'western' and American as Superman in a traditional Native American style, Vergge is showing that his tribal belief and culture can be as strong and symbolic as modern American culture is.
I think these pieces could look even better if Veregge used traditional imagery in his super heroes too. He could maybe create a character in traditional Native American dress that resembles Batman, such as a feather bonnet resembling Batman's cowl, or a shirt flowing back to resemble his cape. I think this would solidify the fusion of modern and Native American cultures even more.