On June 30th, 2021, Google honored the renowned Native American artist Allan Houser (Haozous) with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 106th birthday. The Doodle featured one of his most famous sculptures, “Reverie,” and brought attention to his incredible contributions to the art world. But who was Allan Houser, and why is he being celebrated with a Google Doodle? In this article, we’ll dive into the life and legacy of Allan Houser and explore the significance of his work.
Early Life and Education
Allan Houser was born Allan Capron Haozous on June 30th, 1914, in Apache, Oklahoma. He was born into the Chiricahua Apache tribe, and his family was among the many Native Americans who were forced to relocate to Oklahoma during the late 1800s. Houser’s father, Sam Haozous, was a renowned Apache warrior and leader, and his mother, Blossom Capron Haozous, was a skilled potter.
Houser’s parents recognized his artistic talent at a young age and encouraged him to pursue his passion. In 1934, he enrolled in the Santa Fe Indian School, where he studied painting and drawing. He then went on to study at the Dorothy Dunn School, where he learned traditional Native American art techniques.
Career and Contributions to the Art World
After completing his education, Houser began his career as an artist. He initially worked as a painter, but he eventually transitioned to sculpture, which would become his primary medium. Houser’s work was heavily influenced by his Native American heritage, and he often incorporated traditional Apache themes and symbols into his pieces.
In the 1940s, Houser became one of the first Native American artists to receive recognition from the mainstream art world. He was invited to participate in the prestigious “Indian Art of the United States” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. This exhibition brought attention to the often-overlooked Native American art and artists, and Houser’s work was a standout among the pieces on display.
Throughout his career, Houser’s work continued to gain recognition and acclaim. He received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He also became the first Native American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2004.
“Reverie” and Its Significance
One of Houser’s most famous sculptures is “Reverie,” which was featured in the Google Doodle. The sculpture depicts a woman sitting with her head resting on her hand, lost in thought. It is a powerful and emotional piece that captures the essence of Houser’s work.
“Reverie” is significant not only for its artistic value but also for its representation of Native American women. Houser was known for his depictions of strong, resilient Native American women, and “Reverie” is a perfect example of this. The sculpture challenges the stereotypical portrayal of Native American women as passive and submissive and instead celebrates their strength and resilience.
Legacy and Impact on Native American Art
Allan Houser’s impact on the art world, particularly Native American art, cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in bringing attention to Native American art and artists and challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding their work. Houser’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Houser’s contributions to the art world go beyond his own work. He also dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring other Native American artists. He founded the Allan Houser Foundation, which provides scholarships and support to Native American artists, and he also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Celebrating Allan Houser with the Google Doodle
The Google Doodle featuring “Reverie” was a fitting tribute to Allan Houser and his incredible contributions to the art world. It brought attention to his work and introduced his art to a wider audience. The Doodle also highlighted the importance of celebrating and honoring Native American artists and their contributions to the art world.
Conclusion
Allan Houser (Haozous) was a groundbreaking artist who used his work to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the strength and resilience of Native American women. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today, and his contributions to the art world will not be forgotten. The Google Doodle featuring “Reverie” was a beautiful tribute to Houser and a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse voices in the art world.
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