Nihidzill: Reflections of Strength and Story

“Nihidzill: Reflections of Strength and Story” is an ongoing project by Indigenous contemporary artist Carissa Eich that joins photography, graphic design and Navajo patterns to create compelling imagery. Each image tells a story behind Navajo traditions, from the sacred symbol of eagle feathers to the water technology that windmills provide throughout the Navajo Reservation.

In light of twenty-first-century technology, Indigenous art has made major leaps in reaching the contemporary art scene. Nihidzill, meaning “Our Strength” in Navajo, reflects on how Natives can bring traditional art practices to contemporary fine art standards. By showcasing Indigenous strength and resilience through powerful imagery, Nihidzill compositions invite both Natives and non-Natives to consider how Indigenous art has utilized digital media technology. Nihidzill’s subject matter ranges from water conservation to respect for land through preservation. Taking photographic images of icons such as a tipi, the process overlays designs reminiscent of Navajo rug patterns onto the image before colorizing them to highlight the subject’s beauty and spirit. The final composition is then printed on high-density fine art paper using a special inkjet printing method to produce a giclée. The result is a contemporary fine art composition that explores Indigenous symbolic imagery with artistic expression.

This exhibition is on display at the Polytechnic campus Library from Feb. 10 to May 2 during regular library hours.