University Libraries Exhibit Features Work by Native American Artists

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l-r: "Jicarilla" by Nicole Hatfield, "Salvation" by Bj Stepp, "Zuni Blessing" by Kai Humeyestewa

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A new art exhibit in Mullins Library at the University of Arkansas displays paintings of traditional Native American subjects made by four contemporary Native American artists. ‘Ancient Visions and Contemporary Voices: Paintings from Indian Country’ will be on display in the main lobby area through Jan. 10, 2017.

Johnnie Lee Diacon has studied art at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the University of Arkansas. Diacon’s works often depict some of the secular life ways of modern Native Americans, including his own involvement with the American Indian Movement and Idle No More. Diacon is a member of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, the Raprakko Etvlwa (Thlopthlocco Tribal Town) and the Ecovlke (Deer Clan).

"By exploring the traditional stories and life ways of the Mvskoke in an artistic form that can be appreciated by both native and non-native alike, I hope to nurture an understanding between cultures," said Diacon.

Kai Burton Humeyestewa from Kykotsmovi, Arizona, is a senior at Hopi High School and is a self-taught artist whose style is influenced by the late Duane Dishta, a well-known Zuni artist. Humeyestewa earned the 2016 Heard Museum Guild first place prizes for painting and turquoise jewelry. He is a member of the Coyote Clan of the Hopi.

Another artist, J. NiCole Hatfield, is largely self-taught, but attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and draws inspiration from historical photographs of tribal women. She is of the Penetukah (honey eater) band of Comanches with ties to the Kiowa. She frequently incorporates tribal language into her paintings to keep native languages alive. Hatfield acknowledges the challenge of meeting demands to "'make it new' while still honoring and appreciating the unchanging spirit in all things, as well as traditional tribal values."

Bj Stepp Jr. studied art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. Stepp believes the past and present are complementary components and says the underlying message in his art is "remembering the past and using it as a model to renew the present in order to learn patience for what lies ahead." He has family ties to the Red Moon community of the Southern Cheyenne nation and the Oak Ridge community of the Cherokee nation.

This exhibit is part of the University Libraries’ "Explore Native American Storytelling through Arts, Literature, and Culture" program, which features guest speakers and rotating exhibits throughout the academic year.
 

“Estimvt Hoktvke Homv Huerv Towa” (Who Is The Head Ribbon Dance Leader) by Johnnie Diacon

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.