Gary
Bigbear: Native Mysticism and Everyday Life |
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August 16 - October 1 Paintings and drawings by Sioux City artist Gary Bigbear are featured in an exhibition at Iowa Artisans Gallery, Iowa City, August 16 - October 1. Bigbear explores the mystical nature of his environment in oil paintings and graphite drawings. His work synthesizes abstract expressionism, Native American spirituality, and everyday life experiences. Bigbear allows process to dictate the outcome of his work; his work is not pre-planned. A member of the Ho Chunk (Winnebago) Nation, Bigbear explains, "my goal is to allow my work to encompass the many mysteries that provoke and are very common to the life force of Native people in contemporary society. The difficulties that our traditions have endured only encourage me to maintain an awareness and expression of my origin with respect to this new era." Bigbear was raised as part of the Omaha tribe on a reservation in Nebraska. An interest in drawing led him to painting, which he has been doing for about ten years. Gary Bigbear has been a prizewinner in juried exhibitions at the annual Northern Plains Tribal Arts Expositions, as well as recently at Pine Ridge. Iowa Artisans Gallery is open daily: Monday 10-9, Tuesday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-5:30, and Sunday 12-4. For more information, call the Gallery at 319-351-8686.
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