“The Subjugation of Truth,” created by Kent Monkman in 2016, is an exemplary piece of postcolonial and queer art within the figurative genre. The artwork vividly portrays a historical scene imbued with critical commentary on colonialism and its impact on Indigenous peoples.
The artwork meticulously captures an intense moment of negotiation between colonial officials and Indigenous leaders. At the very center, an Indigenous man, adorned in traditional attire, is seated. His expression is pensive, capturing the gravity of the situation. Surrounding him, colonial figures, dressed in formal 19th-century European attire, display a range of emotions from sternness to condescension. The authoritative posture of the figures, both standing and seated, emphasizes the imbalance of power. The presence of a framed portrait of Queen Victoria in the background further underscores the colonial context and the subjugation theme. The detailed interplay of lighting, expressions, and positioning of figures eloquently critiques historical injustices, making the artwork a poignant reflection on the themes of truth, power, and resistance.
