AYA Optical Has Teamed up with Lakota Multimedia Artist Jim Yellowhawk on a Stunning Capsule Collection

Tuesday, January 7 2025 | 15 h 16 min | News

To celebrate the new year, AYA Optical has released a first-of-its-kind eyewear capsule featuring ledger art by celebrated Lakota multimedia artist Jim Yellowhawk. The collection pairs Jim’s extraordinary artwork with handmade acetates inspired by buffalo horn materials, creating modern eyewear for the global marketplace, that pays tribute to revered symbols from Lakota culture. As always, partial proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to communities in need.

Jim Yellowhawk comes from a family of artists from the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.He has been immersed in the art of his ancestors since his youth. A master of ledger art, collage, and modern mediums like neon light, and even dance, Jim’s art is a vivid celebration of culture, resilience, and storytelling. His work is rich with symbolism, featuring motifs like the eagle and buffalo, which reflect the circle of life and unity in Lakota culture. Jim’s work is deeply rooted in the tradition of Plains Indian ledger art, a narrative form that thrived from the 1860s to the 1920s and experienced a revival in the 1960s. Named for the ledger books that Plains Indians repurposed for canvases, ledger art tells stories and expresses cultural identity through drawings and paintings on cloth or paper.

Yellowhawk says, “Traditional spirituality is woven into my daily life, work, practices, and way of being. It keeps me in balance and guides my creative processes. The horse, buffalo, elk, geese, and eagle nations are often represented in my art, in honor of the four winds. While my art comprises diverse media forms, my current passion is for ledger art, a traditional way of recording history for the native peoples in America. My techniques vary according to the feel of each piece. I like to experiment and challenge myself. I would like to leave my mark as an artist in a way that serves all people, and I very much hope to provide a strong and positive role model for native youth.”

AYA Optical Jim Yellowhawk with his artwork — Jim Yellowhawk with his artwork

The artwork of Jim Yellowhawk can be found in some of the most interesting corners of the world, including galleries and private collections worldwide. A blanket design of his was featured last year in Italian Vogue, and his art now will be made available on three striking AYA optical frames.

“I discovered Jim’s beautiful artwork in Italian Photo Vogue, and I just knew I had to work with him. Fast forward to today, and I am thrilled to be presenting Jim’s immense talent to a wider audience via our eyewear capsule.”

Carla D’Angelo, AYA founder

Introducing Ledger, a bold eyewear style crafted from high-quality custom acetate inspired by buffalo horn materials. As the first collaboration between Jim Yellowhawk and AYA Optical, Ledger draws inspiration from the rich tradition of Plains Indian ledger art. Adorned with Yellowhawk’s dynamic Buffalo Nation artwork, subtle numbers featured in the background, reflecting the ledger paper that inspired this unique art form. Available in two sophisticated colours warm havana brown, and rich charcoal gray.