Robyn Tsinnajinnie (Navajo) and Austin Big Crow (Oglala, Lakota)

Robyn Tsinnajinnie (Navajo) and Austin Big Crow’s (Oglala Lakota) mural The Holy Trinity (2018) commemorates the strong women who have resonated through their lives. Tsinnajinnie explains, “The Holy Trinity symbolizes how we should encourage each other as Native women to strive further in our lives. Multiple reports of abuse and abductions have lead to fear, but this is the time to help and encourage others, and to remind each other, that no matter what, we are still here. Native women have always had a strong presence, so along with the size of the depicted women, the amount of color emanates an uplifting amount of encouragement.” The three female figures represent three generations of women, and the graffiti words read Saint, Goddess and Pure, representing characteristics of these women.

Attending IAIA has inspired both artists to create art with a strong message that can resonate with others to do the same. Big Crow’s knowledge as a screen printer has helped him to emphasize and bring attention to certain subjects, while Tsinnajinnie’s painting skills contributed to the strong color pallet to go alongside the women. “The Holy Trinity reflects our experiences and passion, and reminds women everywhere that they will always have a strong presence in the world,” said Big Crow.