5 Must-Read Books on Native American Artists
We love collecting books about art and artists. If you’re building your own library of art books, consider including the titles listed here. In the dynamic world of art, a profound understanding of cultural diversity and individual perspectives is vital. Native American artists, with their unique narratives, aesthetic traditions, and evolving identities, offer a wealth of inspiration and insight for working artists. These books celebrate the artistic achievements of Native American artists, helping you discover new possibilities in your own work, reshape preconceptions, and explore questions of identity.
Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America,
by Matika Wilbur
In 2012, Matika Wilbur embarked on a Kickstarter-funded mission to photograph individuals from 562 Native American Tribal Nations, traveling extensively across the U.S. over a decade. Project 562, a remarkable collection of portraits and narratives, challenges stereotypes, honors cultural diversity, and addresses vital issues in Indigenous communities, reshaping perceptions of Native America.
Kay WalkingStick: An American Artist
by Kathleen Ash-Milby, David Penney, and Kevin Gover (Foreword)
Kay WalkingStick (Cherokee) is one of the best-known living Native American artists. In her 45-year career in the visual arts, WalkingStick has created iconic paintings featured in numerous exhibitions and publications. Her acclaimed and accomplished career is now being celebrated with the National Museum of the American Indian book and exhibition Kay WalkingStick: An American Artist.
Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison
by W. Jackson Rushing III, Kristin Makholm, and Kay WalkingStick (Foreword)
Chippewa artist George Morrison’s work has received widespread acclaim, with paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures displayed in numerous exhibitions. Despite the absence of explicit references to his Native American heritage in his artwork, this catalog featuring 130 images explores his identity as a modernist artist in the context of twentieth-century American and Native American art, shedding light on his unique style and contribution to the art world.
Indian Country: The Art of David Bradley
by Valerie K. Verzuh
For the past three decades, Minnesota Chippewa artist David Bradley has been a prominent voice in Indigenous art, using his vibrant and ironic paintings to explore questions of identity, self-determination, and self-portrayal. His artwork blends historical and political truths with personal narratives and cultural critique, challenging conventional perspectives and offering an outsider’s view of American life through paradox, incongruity, fantasy, and humor.
Art of Native America: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection
by Gaylord Torrence, Ned Blackhawk, et al.
This landmark publication examines Native American art within the context of American art history by showcasing notable works from a significant private collection. It offers fresh insights into the art, culture, and daily life of numerous North American tribes spanning centuries, challenging traditional presentations by placing them alongside other North American artistic practices.
There are so many other great books featuring Native American artists. What’s on your list? Share them in the comments below!
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