Exhibit Combines Modern, Traditional Views of America

Though he may live in the 21st Century, Stan Natchez has an uncanny way of combining traditional imagery showcasing his Native American heritage with more contemporary imagery reflective of the world he lives in today. Using a variety of well-known icons, Natchez’s work resembles that of other pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Jasper Jones, in that the viewer can walk away with a variety of different evaluations of his artwork. His neo-pop inspired exhibition, Stan Natchez: Indian without Reservation will be on view at from today through Jan. 8 in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery.

“The art of Stan Natchez brings together the iconography of two worlds into one,” said Director of Curatorial Services Jeff Donaldson. “As a Native American proud of the traditions of the past, he understands the power of the imagery of pop culture in the modern society he is a part of. On the other hand, as a cosmopolitan American of the 21st Century, he identifies with the culture, psychology and iconography of the Indians of the Old West.”

A California Indian (ShoShoni/Paiute of Tatavian descent), Natchez took a very indirect route to become the successful artist he is today. He received his bachelor’s degree in Education and went on to receive his master’s degree before teaching humanities for 10 years. Throughout his teaching career, he always made a point to participate in traditional Native American ceremonies and dancing rituals when he could. It was performing in the Native American dances that led Natchez to realize he had a passion for art and his traditional heritage.

Said Natchez, “Sometimes in life, people regret what they do. Other times, they regret what they didn’t do. I realized that if I continued to teach, and did not pursue my artistic talent, I would have regrets later in life.”

With influence by the pop artists who preceded him, Natchez’s work explodes in vivid colors and provocative visual statements. Donaldson continued, “Without shame or anger, his artwork boldly confronts the contradictions of the America’s past and present. Not surprisingly, his work is strongly influenced by the colorful, almost comical, but satirical 20th Century pop artists such as Andy Warhol, and thus is appealing to a wide range of ages and backgrounds. By integrating traditional and modern symbols of power in America, he hopes to provide reconciliation and healing to our society."

Visitors to Stan Natchez: Indian without Reservation will no doubt be able to leave much of the artists’ work to their own interpretation. For some, it might just be colorful images with Pop culture themes—such as Coca Cola bottles Campbell’s soup cans and dollar bills. For others, it might be an appreciation of what Natchez has had to live with his entire life—which is one foot in the world we live in today, and one foot in the world of his ancestors. As Natchez has pointed out, there are no rules in painting, and so it truly is up to the interpretation of the viewer.

The public is invited to meet Natchez during a Meet the Artists Reception on Thursday. At 7 p.m., Natchez will present an Evening Lecture on his artistic style and career highlights in the Booth Theatre. The following month, on Friday, Oct. 21, Natchez will return to participate in the Symposium portion of the Booth’s ninth-annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium.

For more about Stan Natchez: Indian without Reservation exhibition, call 770-387-1300 or visit www.boothmuseum.org.