Liakesha Dean in ‘Giant’ 2013

Felice House created “Liakesha Dean in ‘Giant’” as part of her larger series, "Re-Western." This project challenges the traditional, often whitewashed, narrative of the American West. House's work disrupts conventional representations by placing women of color in the roles of the iconic cowboy. Here, Dean's confident gaze and relaxed posture challenge the mythic figure of the cowboy as exclusively white and male. Her presence invites us to reconsider who gets to be a part of the Western narrative, and who has historically been excluded. House has said about this series, "I hope to create a dialogue about identity and representation in the West." The painting pushes against the historical exclusion and erasure of women and people of color from the popular imagery of the American West. It invites us to remember that history is always more complex and diverse than we might think. The artwork fosters a dialogue about identity, representation, and the stories we tell about ourselves as a nation. It also allows for personal reflection on the narratives that have shaped our understanding of the West and our place within it.