Materials: 300 GSM black cardstock, hand-cut paper

Size: 15 x 14 inches (38.1 x 35.6 cm)

Year: 2018

Description: Geronimo is a 2026 hand-cut paper artwork by Roche Jackson and part of a three-piece series honoring Native American history and culture. This portrait pays tribute to the strength, resilience, and enduring legacy of the Indigenous peoples who first called North America home.

Created from a single sheet of 300 GSM black cardstock, the artwork is cut entirely by hand using only an X-Acto knife. Every line, shadow, and detail is carefully carved to reveal Geronimo’s powerful expression. His feathered headdress, weathered features, and unwavering gaze are rendered with remarkable precision, creating a portrait that commands attention from every angle.

Without the use of color, the artwork relies on light, shadow, and negative space to define its form. The intricate cuts become more visible as viewers move closer, while the portrait becomes stronger and more complete when viewed from a distance. This balance between detail and simplicity is a defining characteristic of my hand-cut paper process.

As an African American artist, I recognize that every culture carries stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and survival. This piece is not intended to tell someone else’s history, but to honor the resilience of Native communities and acknowledge the importance of preserving their stories, traditions, and cultural identity. Geronimo stands as a symbol of courage, dignity, and the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples.