Native American Painters of the Twentieth Century: The Works of 61 Artists - Hardcover

Henkes, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786400927 ISBN 13: 9780786400928

Publisher: McFarland Publishing, 1995

Synopsis

From naturalism to abstract , realism to surrealism, traditional to popular, the 60 Native American artists in this reference work come from a variety of esthetic backgrounds. These contemporary painters reflect the wide range of art produced by Native Americans; many have drawn on their tribal culture for inspiration and subject matter, but others have chosen a more individual style. Among the artists included are Blackbear Bosin, Connie Seabourn, Joe Baker, Louise Harrison, Yette Kimball, Princess Wa Wa Chaw, Willie Preacher, Troy Jumping Eagle, Anne Nash, Kevin Red Star, James Campbell, Neil Parsons, Kim Snyder, Thurman Horse, Barbara Gerard Mitchell, and 46 others.

About this title

From Library Journal

Native American painters, more than most other groups of artists, have always had great difficulty in transcending the enormous ethnic art market. For many years, if they did not paint "Indian subjects" recognizable to a mainly non-Native audience, they were penalized in a number of ways (especially financial). However, a growing host of talented and visionary individuals have brought new attention and respect to the field. Virtually no index to Indian painters has been compiled since Jeanne Snodgrass-King created one in 1968. Lester's large volume expands on this excellent earlier work. In fact, Snodgrass-King herself provides a foreword. The invaluable data in this work feature artists' tribal affiliation, education, awards, and exhibitions, along with other pertinent statistics. The amount of information varies, depending on the artist, and also attests to the difficulty of finding such data. This useful compendium includes both major and obscure painters and is highly recommended for public and academic libraries. The limited selection parameters for Native American Painters of the Twentieth Century are troubling. While the 61 artists are a representative group of painterly styles, equally important individuals have been omitted. Why are Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Kay WalkingStick, and Emmi Whitehorse not included? These artists are particularly eminent figures in contemporary art. Henkes never effectively explains his criteria for inclusion; although the title embraces the 20th century, only living artists are featured. Yet two of the most influential Native American artists of the century?Helen Hardin and T.C. Cannon, now deceased?have had a tremendous impact on contemporary artists. Many of the black-and-white illustrations look either muddy or washed out. An optional choice for specialized library collections.?Paula A. Baxter, NYPL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"the 61 artists are a representative group of painterly styles" -- Library Journal

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland Publishing
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0786400927
• ISBN 13: 9780786400928
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224