Artwork copyright G. Peter Jemison. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright G. Peter Jemison. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

An International Lie, 1987

G. Peter Jemison
(American | Seneca Nation, born 1945)

Location: Western Washington University, Bellingham

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist G. Peter Jemison created An International Lie in response to the Iran-Contra Affair during the Reagan administration in the 1980s. This piece addresses human rights abuses, and the impact of our foreign policy on the lives of Indigenous peoples in North, Central, and South America. He notes, "The United States has supported dictators who have carried out genocide against Indian people. The stated purpose was to stop the spread of communism. My belief is that the United States government was protecting the interests of U.S. corporations."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan) is known for his naturalistic paintings, artworks done on brown paper bags, and artworks with political and social commentary. His art embodies "orenda", the traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) belief that every living thing and every part of creation contains a spiritual force.

Jemison is based in Upstate New York. He is an active member of the Heron Clan of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Jemison studied art at the University of Siena in Italy, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts Education from Buffalo State College, as well as an Honorary Doctorate. He is an authority on Haudenosaunee history and repatriation.