Native American art is incredibly unique and diverse. Just as each tribe is distinctive and has its own set of customs and practice, Native American art reflects the inherent differences of each group. Customs, history and religion are highlighted in many of the traditional art pieces, whether Navajo, Hopi or Plains Native Americans. Continue reading Deeply Connected: Native American Art
Contemporary Native American art is taking a stand against prejudice and stereotype. Embedded within mainstream culture are notions and beliefs about American Indians that simply aren’t true. Movies like Pocahontas reinforce idealized concepts of the Native American lifestyle that are now being challenged by contemporary American Indian artists.
Continue reading Overcoming Stereotypes and Expectations with Contemporary Native American Art
Native American art often reflects rich themes, cultural beliefs and traditional ideologies. Artists like John Nieto use artwork to display the dignity, humanity and beauty of American Indian cultures. Nieto’s Southwest wall art and other original paintings depict traditional Native American themes and important cultural figures like medicine men, the wolf, the bear, warriors and more. The deer was also an important animal in certain Native American tribes, and served a symbolic role in daily life.
Continue reading The Meaning of Deer in Native American Culture
Vivid colors, robust brushstrokes, plain forms, lawless creativity — the fauvist movement was impulsive by nature. It exemplified revolutionary sentiments that fought against the norm. Fauvist artists like Raoul Dufy boasted of radical artistry that went against tradition: “I don’t follow any system. All the laws you can lay down are only so many props to be cast aside when the hour of creation arrives.” Continue reading The History of Fauvism and Its Affect on Abstract Art
Contemporary American Indian Art is finding a voice in unconventional art forms. Modern American Indian artists are using graffiti to represent Native American themes and concepts. Continue reading Emerging American Indian Artist Finds Voice in Graffiti Art
Native American artist John Nieto has made huge strides in bringing national recognition and respect to Native American artists and their paintings. His work can be found within the presidential library and was even presented to Ronald Reagan during his presidential term. Recognized as “fine art,” Nieto’s online southwest art gallery depicts bold representations of Native American themes, culture and continues to be a strong voice within contemporary art circles. Continue reading Native American Artists Underrepresented in American Art Museums
Contemporary art decor serves as an unapologetic self-expression in your home. Whether you are an avid conformist or outspoken maverick, a personal art collection clearly articulates thoughts, convictions, and inner beliefs that are hard to fully verbalize with words. If you are at the beginning of your art journey, knowing the best place to begin may seem nebulous. There is no proven and predetermined process that will provide you a path to respect and success as an art collector. There are however, helpful tips and concepts that will help you start out in the right direction with your collecting. Continue reading Beginning a Collection of Contemporary Art Decor
Long hailed as the leader in modern art, Paris would take 2nd place to New York during the emergence of a new contemporary art movement that flourished in the 40’s and 50’s. Many European artists fled Europe to escape political unrest and fascist regimes in the 1930’s, bringing with them strong Surrealist ideologies and methods. Surrealism with its focus on the unconscious, would inspire American artists and encourage artistic experimentation with myths and symbols that is inherent in Abstract Expressionism. Continue reading Contemporary Art and the Impact of Abstract Expressionism
The passionate and innovative nature of contemporary wall art may encourage spectators to express their thoughts and ideologies in radical, vocal ways. Unfortunately, some art viewers have mistakenly taken the liberty to express their non-conformist ways during art exhibitions and art gallery tours– leaving guests and artists perturbed and offended. Continue reading Do’s and Don’ts of Art Gallery Etiquette
Throughout the centuries, the creation, depiction, representation and evolution of art has depended heavily on a culture’s beliefs, daily lifestyle, religious convictions and natural resources. For example, artists in China, Japan, India and Europe enjoyed access to metal, good clay, brushes and pigments. This allowed them to develop more elaborate techniques that created concise illusions of natural things and spiritual concepts. Adversely, in Africa and Oceania where the limitation of materials and harsh climatic conditions created barriers for artists, artistic and spiritual themes were often represented through symbolism and idols that related to concepts. Continue reading The History of Abstract Art
