The question has come more and more lately. What is Native Art? I live in a community where artists are rampant and each artist has the potential and talent to be more than just the vendor on the side of the road selling their works of art for less than they are worth most of the time.
Is native art the Indian on the horse looking out into the majestic? Does the stereotype follow us, so that the classification of native art consists only of eagles, medicine wheels, buffalo, and feathers? Are we not a more advanced people that we can create works out of the “box” that are still considered Native Art? The native artist cannot simply be native to be considered a “Native Artist” or does the native artist have to be native and work within the confines of what is considered native art to be considered such?
Going round and round in circles I chase the answer to this question…
What is Native Art?
Photo Credit
Mirror Mirror – By Amia Moore – All rights reserved
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This is a dilemma faced by many indigineous artists today who express their inner vision to the digression of personal perspectives and ultimately, personal prejudices. The acceptance of a native artistans expression within the framework of cultural leaders are more often than not, a summation and acceptance of the artist him/herself. And this, as we all know, allows the intervention of personal subjectivity and prejudices. As a kanaka maoli (native hawaiian), this dilemma is also prevalent here in Hawaii. Ultimately, I believe that it is the direction of the artist’s soul (mana) and the intent of the art piece that validates it as culturally native. Thank you Amia, for your thought provoking article.
Exactly, its native art because we are native. Not because we are subjected to use the same tired, worn out symbols of who we are thought to be by others.
I believe we are all people and artists first. We are creative beings who make, write, create and think outside the box at times. Other times what we create is based more on our causes, our histories, our dreams, and our experiences. We, as individual artists, have the right to make that choice and be respected for our craftsmanship, our unique self-expression, our use of imagery/color/mood, etc. As an artist, I paint what is in my heart and my world and encourage others to do the same!
Thank you Dreama. It is about what the depths of our souls is trying to say as an artists no matter who were and the guidelines we maybe placed into by others.