Allan Houser, also known by his Chiricahua Apache name Haozous, was a renowned Native American artist who left a lasting impact on the world of Southwest art. His sculptures and paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
In this article, we will explore the life and work of Allan Houser and his lasting legacy in the world of art.
Early Life and Education
Allan Houser was born on June 30, 1914, in Apache, Oklahoma. He was the first child of Sam and Blossom Haozous, members of the Chiricahua Apache tribe. Houser’s father was a renowned medicine man and his mother was a skilled potter.
At the age of four, Houser was sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he was forced to abandon his Apache culture and language. Despite this, he excelled in art and was encouraged by his teachers to pursue his talent.
After graduating from high school, Houser attended the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico, where he studied under Dorothy Dunn, a renowned teacher of Native American art. Dunn’s teaching style focused on traditional Native American art techniques and encouraged her students to incorporate their own cultural heritage into their work.
Born: June 30, 1914, Apache, OK
Died: August 22, 1994 (age 80 years), Santa Fe, NM
Children: Bob Haozous
Known for: Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Murals
Education: Studio at Santa Fe Indian School
Career as an Artist
In 1934, Houser began his career as an artist, creating paintings and sculptures that reflected his Apache heritage. He was heavily influenced by the work of his father, who was a skilled woodcarver, and his mother, who was a potter.
Houser’s early work focused on traditional Apache subjects, such as dancers, warriors, and ceremonies. However, as his career progressed, he began to incorporate more modern and abstract elements into his work.
In 1940, Houser received a commission from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to create a sculpture for the Santa Fe Indian School. This was the first of many public commissions that Houser would receive throughout his career.
The Legacy of Allan Houser
Allan Houser’s legacy is one of great significance in the world of Southwest art. He was a pioneer in the Native American art movement and his work has been recognized and celebrated around the world.
Influence on Southwest Art
Houser’s work has had a significant impact on the world of Southwest art. His sculptures and paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Native American artists.
Houser’s use of traditional Native American techniques and incorporation of modern and abstract elements has inspired a new generation of artists to explore their cultural heritage in their work.
Allan Houser: Sculptor and Painter
In 1984, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American Art held a retrospective exhibition of Houser’s work titled “Allan Houser: Sculptor and Painter”. This exhibition showcased over 100 of Houser’s sculptures and paintings and brought his work to a wider audience.
The exhibition was a major success and solidified Houser’s place in the world of art. It also led to the publication of a book of the same name, which is still considered a definitive resource on Houser’s life and work.
Allan Houser’s Legacy Today
Today, Houser’s legacy continues to inspire and influence artists around the world. His sculptures and paintings are highly sought after by collectors and his work can be found in many public and private collections.
In 1992, the Allan Houser Foundation was established to preserve and promote Houser’s legacy. The foundation is dedicated to educating the public about Houser’s life and work and supporting Native American artists.
The Legacy of Allan Houser in the Southwest Art World
Allan Houser’s impact on the world of Southwest art is undeniable. His work has been celebrated and recognized by art institutions and collectors around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
The Influence of Native American Culture
Houser’s work is deeply rooted in his Apache heritage and his use of traditional Native American techniques and subjects has had a significant impact on the world of Southwest art.
His sculptures and paintings often depict traditional Apache dancers, warriors, and ceremonies, and his use of traditional materials and techniques adds a unique and authentic element to his work.
The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity
One of the most significant aspects of Houser’s legacy is his ability to seamlessly blend traditional Native American techniques with modern and abstract elements. This fusion of tradition and modernity is a hallmark of Southwest art and has been embraced by many contemporary Native American artists.
Houser’s work serves as a bridge between the past and the present, and his legacy continues to inspire artists to explore their cultural heritage in new and innovative ways.
Conclusion
Allan Houser’s legacy in the world of Southwest art is one of great significance. His sculptures and paintings have been celebrated and recognized around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Native American artists.
Houser’s ability to blend traditional Native American techniques with modern and abstract elements has had a lasting impact on the world of art, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
As we reflect on the life and work of Allan Houser, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and celebrating Native American culture and the significant contributions of Native American artists to the world of art.
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