Huron Sculpture Proposal
Greetings. Jim Mathis asked me to put together a sample of my public works and possible future sculpture projects. Feel free to email me at info@martytwobullsjr.com with any questions.
Lakota Star Knowledge
The Lakota Star Knowledge Sculpture was commissioned in 2020 by the Oglala Lakota Art Space in Kyle, SD. I was the lead artist on this project and in charge of synthesizing the collaborating artists’ ideas into a cohesive artwork. The sculpture was completed in 2023.
The hour glass form of the sculpture is a 3d representation of an ancient Lakota design called Kapemni which represents the idea of what is above in the stars is also below here on earth. This is a central theme in Lakota Star Knowledge and Culture.
Each face of the sculpture represents a sacred site to the Lakota people including Bear Butte, Black Elk Peak, Pe’ Sla, and Devil’s Tower. The lower sections are sillhouttes of the land forms and the upper sections are the corresponding Lakota constellations.
The Sculpture is a beacon for anyone seeking understanding of Lakota Star Knowledge or culture. The Lakota people practice an oral tradition. The sacred sited depicted on the sculpture are active sites for Lakota people. The best way to understand Lakota Star Knowledge and culture is to immerse one’s self in the living community and oral tradition. The sculptures points the curious in that direction.
Jim had mentioned that you all were looking for bronze work but a similar fabricated piece to the Star Knowledge Sculpture could also be made for outdoor presentation.
Oyate Health Center Mural
The Oyate Heath Center Mural in Rapid City, SD was commissioned in 2022 and completed in 2023. I was the only artist on this project. The project was for the new Oyate Heath Center which replaced the old IHS hospital “Sioux San.” The mural is titled Anpo Wicahpi and you can read more about it here. The photos in the mural are a combination of historic and contemporary images that tell the story of the Oyate Health Center and Sioux San campuses. There are mirrored panels in the mural that allow the viewer to see them selves in the photo collage, on the second floor, placing them in the context of all the history as the future.
Upcoming Bronze Pour
Later this year I will be casting a bronze sculpture based on a series of existing ceramic sculptures. This sculpture could be scaled up to suite the needs of the Huron public work purchase and I am open to discussing this option further.
The original sculptures are abstract buffalo forms. The horns of the buffalo are the only recognizable aspect of the animal. The original series was inspired by Martha Graham’s Lamentations. The surface of the sculpture is rendered to look like flesh. The idea evoked is of one of metamorphosis and change. With the eradication of the buffalo from the landscape my culture has been forced to change. The sculpture explores that evolution and grieves the loss of our sacred buffalo.