Roger Allan Cleaves’ Paw Bearer Shield Card (2021) is a striking fusion of mythology and contemporary narrative, measuring 38” x 46.5”. Created with acrylic, charcoal, graphite, and spray paint, the piece exudes movement and layered storytelling, hallmarks of Cleaves’ artistic language.

This work presents a symbolic shield, an artifact of both protection and identity within Cleaves’ Forget Me Nots Landuniverse. The shield pulses with vibrant colors and gestural strokes, suggesting both strength and vulnerability. Abstract forms and fragmented figures emerge from the textured surface, reinforcing themes of survival, heritage, and self-determination.

With its dynamic composition and intricate mark-making, Paw Bearer Shield Card feels like a relic from an alternate history—one that Cleaves continuously builds through his work. The piece invites viewers to engage with its layered symbolism, blurring the lines between past, present, and imagined futures.