Jack Hokeah
Jack Hokeah was a prominent artist and champion dancer of Kiowa heritage, known for his compelling depictions of dancers in motion. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandparents, with his grandfather, White Horse, recognized as a warrior. Hokeah began his artistic journey in 1926 through noncredit courses associated with the Kiowa Five at the University of Oklahoma. By 1930, he was actively participating in events like the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonials in New Mexico, where he built significant friendships with notable potters from San Ildefonso Pueblo.
His artwork is characterized by the use of flat colors and the portrayal of intricate costume designs set against simple backgrounds, capturing the essence and drama of dance. Despite achieving initial success, Hokeah later transitioned away from painting, exploring acting opportunities in New York before finding employment with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His artwork is represented in various esteemed institutions, including the National Museum of the American Indian and the Denver Art Museum, showcasing his contributions to Native American art and culture.
Jack Hokeah
- Born: c. 1900
- Birthplace: Caddo County, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
- Died: December 14, 1969
- Place of death: Fort Cobb, Oklahoma
Category: Visual artist
Tribal affiliation: Kiowa
Significance: Hokeah was one of the original members of the Kiowa Five, a group of painters who instituted a style of painting based on traditional cultural scenes
Hokeah was orphaned as a young child; he was reared by his grandparents. His grandfather, White Horse, was known as a warrior. Starting in 1926, Hokeah attended the special noncredit courses for the Kiowa Five at the University of Oklahoma. By 1930, he and other painters from Kiowa were attending the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonials in New Mexico to sell their work and compete for prizes. During these visits to New Mexico, Hokeah met Julián Martínez and María Antonía Martínez, the famous potters of San Ildefonso Pueblo. They became close friends, and he stayed there a number of years. In 1932, he worked on murals for the buildings of the Santa Fe Indian School.
Hokeah was a champion dancer; he also led dance groups. His painting is most known for strong images of dancers in motion. He portrayed details of designs in the costumes and caught the dramatic quality of the dancing. He worked with flat colors, and the dancers were presented against a plain background. After considerable initial success he ended his art career. He experimented with acting for a period in New York and was later employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His work is in the collections of the National Museum of the American Indian, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Denver Art Museum, Museum of New Mexico, and others.