STAN NATCHEZ
(1954 – present)
Stan Natchez is known for his innovative and creative paintings. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, T.C. Cannon and other pop artists, his paintings exude the power of color and familiar objects. His canvases often begin with artifacts of American culture that either directly or indirectly reflect Indians. He then includes figures such as Native Americans, mission priests or cowboys. Intricate "stars and stripes" beadwork add texture to bold works that emanate beauty and joy. Dollar bills are layered on the canvas as a modern day buffalo hide.
In addition to being a nationally known artist, Natchez has distinguished himself as a graduate student, teacher, dancer, editorial advisor and legal advocate for the native American community. As a traditional dancer who performed in European capitals as well as throughout the United States, Natchez developed a fine eye for both color and composition from the beadwork he created for his regalia. He also credits dance as a medium for building a stronger sense of cultural self-esteem.
In terms of his art, Natchez feels strongly about communicating contemporary Native American philosophy that has been purged of any romantic or stereotypical idealism. He says, "I paint the life I live and so every painting, in some way, is a self-portrait. My art is about you and the way I respond. that is my experience...my experience is my art...and art is my life.
Museum Collection
Boston Fine Arts Museum - "Counter History: Contemporary Art from the Collection" including Stan Natchez's Guernica to Wounded Knee (2012) viewing April 2025 through early 2027.
Santa Fe Fine Arts Museum
Booth Western Art Museum
Albuquerque Fine Arts Museum
Smithsonian Institute
Autry Museum of Western Art
Selected Publications
Winchell, Katie, "Balancing Two Worlds," Whole Life Times, Los Angeles, CA, September 2004
DeLeon,Yadhira, "The Art of Stan Natchez."LatinoLA, Los Angeles, CA, June 2004
Deats, Suzanna, "I Paint the Life I Live," Focus/Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM, January - March 2001
Sandoval, Aubrey, "On the Money", Santa Fe New Mexican, July 27, 2001
Zatecky, Lorenz, Meeting on a Bridge: Stan Natchez, Shoshoni/Tataviam, Munich: Bachmaier, 1998