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Linda Lomahaftewa, Hopi/Choctaw
“Cresent Moon XIV,” 1999
Monotype, 15 1/8” x 11 1/8”
IAIA Museum Collection: H-396 |
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Norman Akers, Osage/Pawnee
“Elk Transition,” 1999
Oil on canvas, 70” x 60”
IAIA Museum Collection: OS-76 |
The Institute of American Indian Arts collection,
known as the “National Collection of Contemporary Indian Arts”
is the single largest collection of its kind in the world. It is comprised
of more than 7,000 objects that represent more than 120 Native American
Nations. The collection includes contemporary paintings, sculpture,
photography, drawings, prints, textiles, clothing, baskets, jewelry,
pottery, ceramics, beadwork and a small collection of historic material.
The Living Collection of Contemporary
Student and Faculty Art
Contemporary art pieces by IAIA students and faculty from 1962 to the
present, form the nucleus of the collection. This collection, however,
is much more than a simple compilation of Native American student and
faculty works. A majority of the country’s most illustrious contemporary
Native American artists have been associated with IAIA as students,
faculty or staff. Accordingly, the collection is a visual record that
chronicles the history of the Institute and tells the story of its’
influence on the contemporary Native American Fine Art Movement.
It is widely accepted that the Institute has had a powerful and expansive
effect on contemporary Native American art since its inception. Most
notable among these artists are the innovative painters of the 1960s
such as T.C. Cannon, Kevin Red Star and Earl Biss. These young Native
artists forged a new direction in painting that boldly asserted a contemporary
Native American perspective. Yet, many more internal artistic movements
have flourished in the IAIA studios, and no doubt, had an impact beyond
the walls of the Institute. With further study of the collection, through
ongoing exhibitions and educational programs, the IAIA Museum continues
to identify these particular movements and trace their influence on
the larger Native American artistic field. In this vein, the IAIA extends
an open invitation to artists, alumni and researchers to use the collection
for their studies in contemporary Native American art. To make an appointment
to survey and study an area of the collection, please contact: 505.983.8900.
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