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Expressions of Identity: Native American Fine Art It is commonly, yet incorrectly, perceived that there is a singular Native American culture--nomadic warriors with flowing, feathered, headdresses mounted on majestic, wild horses. For Native artists, this image of a mono-culture frozen in time has resulted in many arbitrary restrictions and boundaries. To be considered "real Indian art," the image should reflect certain stereotypical views held by the dominant society.
Top of Page Native American fine art emerged as a prominent form of expression at the end of the nineteenth century. Early on, imagery and artistic styles that did not conform to preconceived stereotypes were ignored or rejected by museums, patrons, art critics and gallery owners. During the 1950s and early 1960s, the Native Fine Arts Movement underwent a major transformation through the efforts and encouragement of Oscar Howe, Alan Houser and other individuals. While contemporary Native artists still contend with narrowly define labels, their works reflect a broad spectrum of mediums, styles, techniques and content.
Top of Page Exhibited in this section are works by different artists, each portraying a different vision of Native identity within modern society. Their works illustrate the significance and diversity of their cultural heritage, social backgrounds and personal experiences. Here is portrayed the uniqueness of expressions, traditions and adaptations that is the hallmark of Native America.
Top of Page "I dream of a great breadth of Indian art to develop that ranges through the whole region of our past, present and future. Something that doesn't lack the ultimate power that we posses. I am tired of Bambi-like deer paintings reproduced over and over - and I am tired of cartoon
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