Secondly, the portraits are of Navajo men, women and children are paired by relationships. In the Navajo tradition, relationships are very important. as one greets another, a hand is shaken and most often one states his or her clans, then words are exchanged. In this way,relationships are established and maintained.
The pairs, who may be husband and wife, father and son,mother and daughter,sisters,brothers,or friends also give a lot of information on such as resemblance, respect, interaction and connection between the two people photographed.
Thirdly, I wanted to photograph the Navajo in modern and traditional settings. It may be at home or at an event outside the home. I photographed the people by two means. One way was by appointment, after having established a relationship with the pair. Sometimes while driving around, I would spot a pair who interested me and photogrphed them immediately.
I hope the photographs clarify what I am trying to portray.
Kenji Kawano
"We Are The Navajo - A Portrait of Two Navajos"
I wanted to document the Navajo people of today. The Navajo people of today have varied lifestyles. There are those who opt to assimilate the two cultures equally: the Navajo tradition and mainstream American. there are those who are trying to keep their tradition, yet other influences come in to play.
Contact
kenji_foto@hotmail.com
