Tradition vs. Innovation - What's up in Tribal art?

One of the hallmarks of tribal art is that it is rooted in tradition. Whether in Africa, where standards for authenticity are quite rigid among collectors, or Native American art, where styles and techniques often are required for acceptance into certain prestigious competitions.

On the other hand, in most other art disciplines, innovation, break-through, new looks and techniques have a premium attached to them.

Now, a new show, "RE: Generations, Legacy & Traditions", at a Minneapolis gallery explores this apparent difference. According to the Star-Tribune newspaper, gallery owner Heid Erdrich stated, "I wanted to show that, yes, there is tradition, but there is a bridge too."

Included in the show are ledger-style paintings on paper and on deer hides and beaver pelts. This brings to mind two paintings that we have in the TribalWorks online gallery. Both are paintings on rabbit pelts, with paintings portraying Southern Cheyenne scenes including a courting scene. Both were painted by Carlisle, are framed in shadow boxes and carry notation cards.

"Young Howling Wolf" on white rabbit skin 18" x 22"

"Courting" on white rabbit skin, 18" x 22"

Both are on display more extensively on our web site, which may be accessed by clicking on the images above. To visit the home page for our TribalWorks website click here.