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About Tony Tiger
Tony Tiger (Muscogee/Sac & Fox-Seminole) is an accomplished painter, printmaker, and mixed media artist, born in Los Angeles, California in 1964. He is renowned for his award-winning artwork, featured in both national solo and group exhibitions. Notable among these exhibitions is "Changing Hands: Art Without Reservations 3" at the Museum of Art and Design in Manhattan, New York City. Tony Tiger has also made significant contributions as a curator, including the exhibition "Art from Indian Territory: Contemporary Native Art from Oklahoma" at the All My Relation Gallery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Tony's artistic journey is a profound exploration of the human experience through symbols and metaphors. He believes that humanity transcends mere reflections in the mirror, delving into the depths of soul and spirit. His educational background includes studies at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, where he began his artistic journey, and further pursuit of a B.F.A. from Oklahoma State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. Tony's dedication to art education has led him back to these institutions, where he imparts his knowledge through exhibitions, student mentorship, and lectures on contemporary Native American art.
Following his graduation from the University of Oklahoma, Tony assumed the role of director of the art department at Bacone College on Muscogee Creek Nation Land. Today, he concentrates on his full-time career as an artist, dedicating time to mentor emerging artists and curate exhibitions that celebrate Native American art.
My art is an exploration of the human experience through symbol and metaphor. I firmly believe that mankind is more than mere reflections in the mirror; we are soul and spirit. My journey in art began with studies at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, and it continued with a B.F.A. from Oklahoma State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. These educational experiences have deepened my understanding of Western art theory, encompassing both Native and non-Native perspectives.
After completing my education, I took on the role of director of the art department at Bacone College on Muscogee Creek Nation Land. Today, my full-time focus is on my art, mentoring emerging artists, and curating exhibitions that celebrate Native American art. My work is a reflection of the commonalities of humanity, the mystery and wonder of life, and the incredible journey I've been allowed to experience over the last 50 years. As an avid outdoorsman, I've always appreciated the wonder of color in nature. I've witnessed numerous sunrises and sunsets, allowing me to observe the process of the illumination of color in nature and how it changes, even in a matter of minutes. This has allowed me to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of color.
In my artwork, I apply color symbolically, where each hue carries significance. For instance, red may represent blood, passion, or sacrifice, while dark blue can refer to deep thoughts. My latest curatorial project, 'Evolution of Color,' is influenced by my profound interest in color. My paintings are characterized by bright hues of red, orange, ochre, sky blue, and grass green, mixed with deeper browns and purples for contrast. These colors not only reflect my appreciation for the 'wonder of color' in nature but also draw inspiration from the traditional ribbon-work appliqué designs of Sac and Fox regalia and Seminole patchwork, both of which showcase expressive and highly creative uses of color.
About the art
Tony Tiger (Muscogee/Sac & Fox-Seminole) is an accomplished painter, printmaker, and mixed media artist, born in Los Angeles, California in 1964. He is renowned for his award-winning artwork, featured in both national solo and group exhibitions. Notable among these exhibitions is "Changing Hands: Art Without Reservations 3" at the Museum of Art and Design in Manhattan, New York City. Tony Tiger has also made significant contributions as a curator, including the exhibition "Art from Indian Territory: Contemporary Native Art from Oklahoma" at the All My Relation Gallery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Tony's artistic journey is a profound exploration of the human experience through symbols and metaphors. He believes that humanity transcends mere reflections in the mirror, delving into the depths of soul and spirit. His educational background includes studies at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, where he began his artistic journey, and further pursuit of a B.F.A. from Oklahoma State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. Tony's dedication to art education has led him back to these institutions, where he imparts his knowledge through exhibitions, student mentorship, and lectures on contemporary Native American art.
Following his graduation from the University of Oklahoma, Tony assumed the role of director of the art department at Bacone College on Muscogee Creek Nation Land. Today, he concentrates on his full-time career as an artist, dedicating time to mentor emerging artists and curate exhibitions that celebrate Native American art.
My art is an exploration of the human experience through symbol and metaphor. I firmly believe that mankind is more than mere reflections in the mirror; we are soul and spirit. My journey in art began with studies at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, and it continued with a B.F.A. from Oklahoma State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. These educational experiences have deepened my understanding of Western art theory, encompassing both Native and non-Native perspectives.
After completing my education, I took on the role of director of the art department at Bacone College on Muscogee Creek Nation Land. Today, my full-time focus is on my art, mentoring emerging artists, and curating exhibitions that celebrate Native American art. My work is a reflection of the commonalities of humanity, the mystery and wonder of life, and the incredible journey I've been allowed to experience over the last 50 years. As an avid outdoorsman, I've always appreciated the wonder of color in nature. I've witnessed numerous sunrises and sunsets, allowing me to observe the process of the illumination of color in nature and how it changes, even in a matter of minutes. This has allowed me to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of color.
In my artwork, I apply color symbolically, where each hue carries significance. For instance, red may represent blood, passion, or sacrifice, while dark blue can refer to deep thoughts. My latest curatorial project, 'Evolution of Color,' is influenced by my profound interest in color. My paintings are characterized by bright hues of red, orange, ochre, sky blue, and grass green, mixed with deeper browns and purples for contrast. These colors not only reflect my appreciation for the 'wonder of color' in nature but also draw inspiration from the traditional ribbon-work appliqué designs of Sac and Fox regalia and Seminole patchwork, both of which showcase expressive and highly creative uses of color.