Contemporary Art Collection
Compelling, Moving Art for a Modern World
Paintings, sculptures, photographs, beadwork, multi-media installations, and other mixed media all represent the powerful expressions of today’s contemporary Native artists.
A Collection of Many Cultures
Today’s artists share their cultures & experiences
What is it: This stunning collection contains some of the most profound contemporary art you will ever encounter by artists whose stories will open your eyes to see the world in a different light. It highlights the influential work of artists such as the whimsical paintings of Harry Fonseca (Maidu/Nisenan/Portuguese/Hawaiian,) and multi-media masterpieces of Wendy Red Star (Crow). Every other year, the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship helps advance the careers of contemporary Native artists and casts a spotlight nationally on the field of contemporary Native art within the overall contemporary art community.
How to visit: Visit the exhibit Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
More About This Collection
A large number of these pieces were collected through our biennial Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. Since its inception, the museum has awarded nearly one million dollars to artists through art purchases and employed countless Native and non-Native scholars and writers.
The uniqueness of the collection lies in the cultural and geographic traditions represented. African American artists Alison Saar and James Watkins share the experience and manifestations the caldron had on their lives. Latino traditions are rooted firmly in the Santero carving of Sergia Tapia’s Offrenda, commemorating September 11 bombing of the World Trade Towers.