Rooney, E. Ashley Western Art of the Twenty-first Century. Volume 2: Native Americans

The second book in this two-volume survey, readers are invited to re-examine the history of the West and its art through a multi-faceted contemporary lens. More than 30 artists are included who reflect the tremendous diversity, depth, and breadth of a field steeped in history. While some follow the traditions established by Remington and Russell, others seek to break from tradition, busting myths and bringing new insights and artistic styles to the genre. They come from both sides of the Mississippi and have pedigrees that range from bona fide cowboy or Native American credentials to careers in commercial illustration. The unifying theme is a common concern for and commitment to their art and the West itself. In this volume, contemporary artists are featured whose work revolves around Native Americans. Native Americans still exist, and in many cases are thriving, as they revive or maintain their culture. Historically and even today, most imagery featuring native people suggests a lost cause or vanishing race. We hope that the art created on these pages will help reinforce the fact that Native American culture, while still threatened, is viable among many tribes.

While some follow the traditions of well-known painters Remington and Russell, others seek to break tradition, shatter myths and bring new insights and artistic styles to the genre. They come from both sides of the Mississippi River and have pedigrees ranging from genuine cowboy or Indian products to careers in commercial illustration. The unifying theme is a common concern and commitment to their art and the Wild West. This volume features contemporary artists whose work is centred around Native Americans from North America. Native Americans still exist and in many cases thrive when they are able to revitalise or maintain their culture. In the past, and even today, most images with Native Americans suggest a lost cause or a vanishing race. We hope that the art created in these pages will help reinforce the fact that Native American culture, though still threatened, is viable among many tribes.