IACB Features Gordon Emhoolah in a Special Exhibition

Gordon Emhoolah, an enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, is a talented painter. Born and raised around the “Apache Wye” area west of Anadarko, Oklahoma, Gordon and his wife, Lorrie Thorpe-Emhoolah, reside in Norman, Oklahoma. Gordon currently works full-time as an artist.

 

 

Gordon first began his artistic work in the mid 1990’s, exploring sketching and graffiti art as a hobby. His mother Rachel Chalepah and father Hubert “Bucky” Emhoolah instilled in Gordon at an early age the importance of traditional powwow’s and the Native American Church. The values learned from this upbringing had a profound effect on Gordon’s art. With no formal training, Gordon has taught himself how to tell narrative stories though his art. He has progressively become a highly skilled painter, focusing his talent on the depiction of Native American Church traditions. Acrylic and watercolor paints on canvas are the media Gordon uses to demonstrate his extensive knowledge of the current and historical practices of the Native American Church. His hope is to use his art to carry on these teachings for future generations.

 

 

As a descendent of the Kiowa, Apache and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Gordon grew up surrounded by traditional cultural practices and ceremonies. This upbringing provides him the inspiration for his art today. His art brings a contemporary feel to the traditional subjects that he depicts. Gordon uses meditation and song to guide him while he creates his art. This will be Gordon’s first exhibit in a museum setting and he is grateful for the opportunity

to share his creations with his family, friends, and the community. 

 

The artwork featured in the exhibition may be purchased by

contacting Gordon Emhoolah directly by email at                 

emhoolahgordon@gmail.com.

 

 

* Exhibition brochure