Artist Spotlight: BRENT GREENWOOD
Brent Greenwood is of Chickasaw and Ponca heritage and because of this distinct cultural background; he expresses his narratives through both the southeastern and plains tribal lens.
A graduate from the renowned Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. and Oklahoma City University; Brent serves as the Fine Arts Director for the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Over the past 25 years, his work has been exhibited across North America and abroad in Paris, France. Brent's paintings have been featured in several publications as well as receiving numerous accolades and awards.
Brent’s artistic passion goes beyond the studio from requests to make arts and cultural presentations, perform “live paintings,” and public mural work. He enjoys every opportunity to share his experiences and the artistic process, and hope it encourages the next generation of artists. His artistic influences are deeply rooted in graffiti and traditional Native art aesthetics while combining elements of pop and modern art as seen in his Mahota Textile’s Artist Collection blanket titled Stomp
“I capture the essence of my subject matter through my use of color and movement. Mark making is an integral part of my visual storytelling, and I blend that with all the influences I’ve had along the way, from historical to modern day painters.”
Stomp Dance Revelation
The dancer’s profile emerged through Greenwood’s early exploration of color and form. This stomp dancer served as the impetus for all the figurative works that Greenwood creates today. With colors that emulate the nighttime sky and embers of the ceremonial fire, the spirit of song and dance reaffirms the connections of Chickasaw lifeways past and present.