Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light)

Cara Romero's first monograph, Panai (Living Light) explores the artistic practice of the celebrated Chemehuevi photographer and features written contribution from 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.

Throughout her renowned creative practice, Romero has brilliantly challenged dominant narratives of Indigenous decline and erasure, disrupting preconceived notions about what it means to be a Native American. Her sophisticated images simultaneously acknowledge the injustices of colonialism while centering the humanity and vitality of her Indigenous collaborators, inviting audiences to engage in transformative dialogues. Personal, handwritten notes and drawings by the artist reveal process and concept development, helping readers connect with her creativity and studio practice.

This book will accompany Romero's first solo exhibition of the same name, on view at the Hood Museum at Dartmouth College in 2025 and traveling to additional venues. Romero's award-winning work is included in numerous public and private collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, Whitney Museum of American Art, Guggenheim Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and Forge Project Collections.