Another edition of the Native Pop festival in Rapid City is another chance for artists emerging and established to find an audience.
With styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, every show brings something new.
The artist reception and award ceremony was held at the Suzie Cappa gallery in downtown Rapid City, and the main show continues through Sunday.
James Star Comes Out was named the best in show. A traditional artist, he says his art is an effort to keep touch with history in the year 2024.
“The motivation of that is to revitalize the horse mask among the Lakota," Star Comes Out said. "Today, you don’t see that very much, so I feel as an artist it’s my obligation to try to bring back some of the things that strengthen us as a people.”
Star Comes Out is an established Lakota artist, and many of his works can be see in the Journey Museum permanent collection. He said these types of events open real doors to up and comers.
“When I was younger, just an emerging artist, I didn’t have opportunities," Star Comes Out said. "I’m always trying to empower the younger artists, give them opportunity, and you see more of it today. My work is based on cultural ways, stories, history, and that’s where I get my inspiration from.”
But not every artist falls into the “traditional” style. Star Comes Out’s son, Sheldon Starr, offers a unique take on what “indigenous art” can be.
“I would say I’m inspired by American 80s, 90s and 2000s pop culture," Starr said. "Coming from the Oglala tribe, a lot of that geometric inspiration is in there as well. I’ve been trying to do this professionally for about four years or so – I’m still considered an emerging artist right now.”
While the pastels, high contrast, and geometry might strike the viewer as more “Miami Vice” than Pine Ridge, it’s the inclusion of themes and perspective that allows Starr to stay true to his roots in his work – beginning with the tradition of storytelling.
“A lot of my parents’ stories were from when they were teenagers and young adults in that time period, but movies and music – everything I love comes from that era," Starr said. "Just steering away from that “stereotypical” stuff I guess you would call it. I respect it a lot, but that’s not what comes out of my creative mind.”
At the same time, other creators are firmly planted in the present day with their work. J. White is a Sioux Falls based artist and owner of the Post Pilgrim Gallery.
“This particular piece is called “The Real Blood Tribe,” White said "This is a painting in regard to the audacity of neo-Nazis coming into our state of South Dakota and imparting themselves on our state capitol building, as well as Deadwood, and being masked the entire time.”
While a making strong antifascist statement, White says the painting also reflects the commodification of stolen indigenous lands, and the power of unity.
“There are seven women on these horses, and they are ready to fight," White said. "They are vulnerable and strong, and they are the real blood tribe, and shame on you for using those words in vain. I don’t need to worry about the sense of strength. I sit on the shoulders of many strong women and men before me who have given me the courage to stand up and speak exactly how I feel.”
On top of that, White has a challenge for any young artist trying to find that voice.
“If you young people have something to say, I dare you to write it down and I dare you to paint it, and have fun with it," White said. "Go see art, steal from other artists – everybody does it – and don’t be ashamed.”
That sentiment is reflected by Native Pop executive director Raine Nez.
“It’s really prevalent, especially here in Rapid City to have Natives have their own art, be able to display that and have their place in the art world," Nez said. "I would say come down to the art market. Learn to talk to people. As much as people don’t think of it as an acquired skill, you have to get out there, you have to be able to approach someone and say hi, how are you. Just start asking questions.”
The art market continues in Main Street Square through this weekend in Rapid City.