REDSKIN
"Redskin", was a pop-up solo exhibition that included a full installation, a series of paintings, murals all anchored with a performance piece that took place during the annual Washington D.C. event Art All Night: Nuit Blanche. The 4 hour long performance art piece subjected Deal to a variety of abuses intended to mimic and interrogate the daily microaggressions experienced by Indigenous people. The piece was using Deal as the main subject, with four antagonists using language and statements used popularly in engaging Indigenous people, particularly in the mascot debate. The four antagonist's content was informed by comment sections of any article concerning the ongoing effort to change the name of the Washington Football Team. With this work showcasing in the nation's capitol, this work necessarily responds to the discourse surrounding the Washington Football Team and it's problematic name and mascot. While this subject is relevant right now in popular culture, Deal maintains that this is a part of his voice and his experience as an Indigenous person and a 15 year resident of the DC area. There is a pending film in the works surrounding this work and the emotional journey is created.
* Photo by Dave Cooper