modern ancestry
east palmdale,ca
1,080 sq/ft
Modern Ancestry, located at Furniture Plus, tells a layered story of Palmdale’s past, present, and future. Anchored by the image of a Tataviam woman, the mural honors the original caretakers of this land while also bringing attention to the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Around her, scenes unfold that represent different threads of the city’s identity. A family tills the land in honor of agricultural roots, while a child with a toy airplane reflects the continued legacy of aerospace innovation. Nearby, another family makes tortillas by hand, nodding to the taco stand that livens this corner every evening. All of it unfolds beneath a desert sunset, surrounded by Joshua trees and mountains that root the piece in place. Modern Ancestry is both a reflection and a reminder, calling the community to honor where we come from while continuing to build toward where we want to go.
Bringing Power to the Portrait
At the heart of Modern Ancestry is a powerful portrait of a Tataviam woman, and we knew it needed to be handled with care and intention. We were honored to collaborate with local artist Lori Antoinette, a gifted portrait painter known for her emotionally resonant work. Lori brought the central figure to life with stunning detail and presence, anchoring the mural with a quiet strength that draws you in. Her contribution elevated the mural’s visual impact and helped ground the entire piece in dignity, respect, and artistic excellence.
A Statement Through Image
The portrait at the center of the mural is based on a photograph taken by Nicole Merton, an Indigenous photographer, MMIP advocate, artist, and documentarian. Her work focuses on raising visibility for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement, and this image was chosen with her blessing to hold space for that ongoing crisis. The figure stands not only as a tribute to the original stewards of this land but also as a reminder of the violence that continues to impact Indigenous communities. By including this portrait, the mural becomes more than a celebration of ancestry—it becomes a call to awareness and action.
Community in Full Color
The community paint day for Modern Ancestry was a beautiful expression of culture, pride, and unity. The community came out in full effect, bringing an energy that matched the depth of the mural itself. Azteca dancers opened the day with ceremony and movement, grounding the event in tradition and spiritual presence. Families and neighbors of all ages picked up brushes and added their touch to the wall, contributing to a piece that now belongs to everyone involved. As a gesture of generosity, the local taco stand, which operates right next to the mural, served free tacos to every community painter. This simple act added warmth and connection to a day already filled with meaning. It was more than a paint day. It was a celebration of shared heritage, collective storytelling, and the power of showing up for each other.