T.C. Cannon

Art Appreciation

Born on September 27, 1946, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Tommy Wayne Cannon was a trailblazing Native American artist whose exceptional and forward-thinking work made an enduring impression on the contemporary art scene.

A member of the Kiowa Tribe and Caddo Nation, Cannon drew inspiration from the artistic legacy of the Kiowa Six, a group of Native American painters who significantly contributed to the development of the Southern Plains Flatstyle of painting. In 1964, Cannon enrolled at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, immersing himself in a diverse range of artistic influences and styles, further perfecting his skills. Post-IAIA, he pursued studies at the San Francisco Art Institute but put his artistic pursuits on hold to serve in the army.

During his service in Vietnam, Cannon's perspective was profoundly influenced by his experiences and the countercultural movements of the 1960s. His artwork often vividly portrayed daily life, the haunting realities of war, spiritual themes, and the myriad challenges faced by Native Americans in a rapidly changing world. 

Following military service, Cannon collaborated with fellow artist Fritz Scholder (Luiseño) in a notable two-man exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute's National Collection of Fine Arts, titled "Two American Painters."

Sadly, Cannon's journey was cut short when he was involved in a fatal car accident on May 8, 1978. Despite his short life, his influence on the art world remains deep and transformative. He played a crucial role in elevating Native American art to the mainstream and challenging stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Native American culture. 

Self-portrait (1975)

His Hair Flows Like a River (1973-1977)

Rain Priest (1973)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/t-c-cannon-at-the-edge-of-america

https://gilcrease.org/exhibitions/cannon/