Paintings, Drawings, Graphics and Photography
The diversity of mediums in the twodimensional art classification lends itself to a breadth of creativity and innovation—and while the category is punctuated by the works of veteran artists, it also paves a wide path for many young, up-and-coming creators.
Both traditional and contemporary artwork is represented across six divisions: representational paintings/graphics, abstract paintings/graphics, sandpainting, printmaking, photography and digital artwork, in which pieces contain computer-generated elements or are created entirely through the use of a computer. From these six, a number of subcategories continues to branch out from there, offering an eclectic mix of artwork to observe, collect and learn about.
“I’m drawn to artists who play with color and warp time, push techniques and/or experiment with materials,” says Karen Kramer, curator of Native American & Oceanic Art and Culture at the Peabody Essex Museum. “Mostly I love to see how artists are creatively asserting their visions and voices. I love art that makes me think and art that makes me laugh—art that makes me wonder and art that opens my eyes to new ways of expressing ideas.”
“My work is continually evolving; the constant of my artwork is maintaining my Indigenous cultural beliefs and identity…by utilizing vivid color, my creations aim to convey positive healing energy. Collectively, my works’ intent is to encourage Indigenous women empowerment, providing space to acknowledge cultural integrity of our people while educating society as a whole.”
“Through time, space and movement these paintings transgress the boundaries and limits of American Indian stereotypes. This artwork is a conduit for cross-cultural dialogue. Contemporary American Indian art is rooted in exploring cultural awareness intersecting mainstream thought. As oil paint is layered and streaks across the canvas, Native American ancestral knowledge awakens.”
“My paintings are a reflection of my Native people and their everyday living. The songs, dances and way of life inspire me to be my best self, and portraying them on canvas and sculpture is not only an honor but a privilege. I want to share my people and our culture with the rest of the world.”
“I encompass a wide range of subject matter that specifically pertains to Zuni culture, such as kachina figures, animals, insects, sacred colors and Puebloan textile/embroidery. To describe my artistry, it is the essence of the religious beliefs and teachings of the Zuni People. My work allows the colors to convey emotions, with the addition of metallic paint splatter and acrylic transfers.”
“I am a mother and artist. Whether in my paintings or ledger art, I enjoy depicting Native empowerment using the female form as my main subject. I relish in bringing attention to and celebrating the evolution of the Native identity, from pre-reservation period to present day. Ledger art for me is about reclaiming space with our presence and narrative.”
“My work is inspired by my family and Zuni culture. For example: animals, insects, pottery designs, sacred colors, Puebloan textiles and petroglyphs. My paintings convey emotions through the use of color with the combination of various techniques to create a new outlook on classic Zuni painting…i aim to express the spirit of the religious beliefs and teachings of the Zuni people through my art.”