A Native American artist who blended traditional tribal styles with modern pop art, creating vibrant, thought-provoking works that explored identity, culture, and social justice.
T. C. Cannon, born Tommy Wayne Cannon Kiowa-Caddo, was a trailblazing Native American artist of the 20th century, known for his vibrant and provocative paintings that challenged stereotypes and redefined the representation of Indigenous people in art. His work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer in the art world.
Cannon was born on September 27, 1946, in Oklahoma, to Walter Cannon Kiowa and Minnie Ahdunko Cannon Caddo. He grew up in Zodaltone and Gracemont, Oklahoma, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of his Kiowa and Caddo ancestry. His Kiowa name, Paidoungaday, which means "One Who Stands in the Sun," reflected his family's strong cultural roots.
Cannon's early artistic influences came from the Kiowa Six, a group of renowned Native American painters who achieved international recognition for their innovative style, known as the Southern Plains Flatstyle. Notably, Stephen Mopope and Lee Tsatoke Sr. inspired the young artist to explore the world of art.
In 1964, Cannon enrolled in the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he studied painting under the guidance of Fritz Scholder Luiseo. After graduating from IAIA, he briefly attended the San Francisco Art Institute before enlisting in the US Army.
During his military service, Cannon served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He earned two Bronze Star Medals during the Tet Offensive and was inducted into the prestigious Black Leggings Society, the Kiowa warriors society.
While still stationed in Vietnam, Cannon's artistic career gained momentum. In 1972, Rosemary Ellison, curator of the Southern Plains Indian Museum, included him in a major traveling exhibition, "Contemporary Southern Plains Indian Painting."
The same year, Cannon and fellow artist Fritz Scholder Luiseo presented a two-man exhibition, "Two American Painters," at the Smithsonian Institution's National Collection of Fine Arts. This groundbreaking exhibition challenged visual stereotypes about Native Americans, paving the way for a new era of artistic expression.
T. C. Cannon's innovative style and bold artistic statements continue to inspire contemporary artists, critics, and scholars. His legacy extends beyond the art world, as his work has contributed significantly to the ongoing conversation about representation, identity, and cultural awareness.
Through his art, Cannon not only subverted stereotypes about Native Americans but also explored themes of irony, kitsch, and social commentary. His artwork remains a testament to his pioneering spirit and his commitment to redefining the boundaries of Native American art.
"I don't paint yesterday, I paint today, and I paint tomorrow." – T. C. Cannon
90 Years Old
A renowned artist and satirist, known for his bold, grotesque, and humorous illustrations that critique politics and society, often featured in publications like Rolling Stone.
Born in 1887
Pioneering American modernist artist famous for bold, colorful depictions of enlarged flowers, landscapes, and abstract compositions that explored new ways of representing the American Southwest. Her innovative style and independence inspired generations of artists.
Born in 1914
A Chiricahua Apache artist, he created sculptures and paintings that explored Native American identity and experiences, blending traditional and modern styles. His work humanized and dignified Native American people, challenging stereotypes and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
