Cara Romero

Alika No. 1

In the Indigenous Futurity series, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi) investigates multifaceted Indigenous identities and experiences through photography. As part of this project, the Alika images forefront Black Indigeneity. Writer and film director

Alika Sheyahshe Mteuzi (Albkebu-lan/Caddo/Cheyenne & Arapaho) models in neon paint, illuminated by black light. Romero combines cultural iconography, including Kadohadacho body paint and hip-hop album covers, such as A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album "Low End Theory." The model’s stance—slightly turned away with arms crossed behind—evokes classical portraiture. It also exudes confidence, bringing to life Romero’s photographic practice of celebrating the beauty and resilience of indigeneity.