“Smart Wars,” a “Star Wars” inspired art exhibit by the uniquely talented St. Paul artist Rory Wakemup will celebrate the exhibit’s opening at the All My Relations Arts gallery in the Native American Community Development Institute.

Wakemup’s work is inspired by pop culture and his Anishinaabe and Lakota heritage. He dubbed his philosophy as “funktavism,” a portmanteau of “fun” and “activism.” 

“Smart Wars” uses images of heroes and villains from “Star Wars” to symbolize Native identity and our relationships to the Earth and each other. “Smart Wars” features stormtroopers, snowtroopers, imperial guards and other characters in regalia adorned with various feathers, fringes, beads, bells and other accessories. 

Wakemup said pop culture references are prevalent in his work because he wants his art to reflect modern versions of Native identity. 

“While I am aware that there are many serious issues to combat, equality and respect for Indians will never be attained until we are recognized as living people in today’s society, and not relics in the same category as pillaging Vikings and pirate raiders,” Wakemup wrote on his website. 

One work features an alter-ego named Darth Chief, a black-and-silver version of Darth Vader whose helmet sports crown-like silver and red adornments, joined by two imperial guards on either side. Each guard wears red robes and shiny helmets, accented by black feathers on the helmets and the robes’ fringes. Laying in front of the three is a rendition of a presumably dead Chief Wahoo, the former mascot of the Cleveland Guardians, who was removed as an official mascot in 2018. 

“Like Anakin Skywalker used his hatred of the Dark Side to become a Sith Lord, I have used my hatred and fear of being a cliché to become the most outrageous cliché I can fathom,” Wakemup wrote on his website. “In my quest, I have taken my ‘Super Ego’ to the level of alter ego, ’Darth Chief, Mascot Hunter.’”

Wakemup said he uses the Darth Chief alter ego in his art to satirize famous icons and idols in popular culture. 

The alter ego is a unique self-insert into his own artwork, blending the themes of righteous activism in his art with the grandiose and surreal villainy associated with the Darth Vader character. That juxtaposition seems purposeful, as Wakemup welcomes viewers to challenge their preconceptions about identity and culture. 

“So please, before you try to defend the mascots my alter ego defiles, do your homework,” his website states. 

“Smart Wars” is on view at the All My Relations Arts gallery at the Native American Community Development Institute until April 5.