“Composing through esthetic points has become part of my working process, though in my work it


is not a formal ceremony.” —Oscar Howe, 1969


“Fighting Bucks,” 1967; casein on paper; 20.25 x 27”. National Museum of the American Indian 27/0217.


Animal Lyricism Howe regularly looked to animals for inspiration. Birds, horses, antelope, bison and other creatures appear in paintings with direct cultural references but also as stand-alone subjects. In these poetic vignettes, such as in “Fighting Bucks” above—purchased by the NMAI from private collectors in 2018—the artist revels in the beauty and design


sourced from the distinctive character- istics of animals in motion. This and the other innovative paint-


ings in the “Dakota Modern” exhibition continue to inspire. Oscar Howe’s legacy endures, through not only his artworks but also his influence on present and future generations of Native artists.


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION SPRING 2022 41


COURTESY OF THE NMAI AND OSCAR HOWE FAMILY


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