Bob Haozous (Apache/Navajo/English/Spanish) b. 1943
"Woman in
Love," 1983
Stainless steel, 18" x 53" x 8"
The Heard Museum, Phoenix,
Arizona
Bob Haozous is one the most important Native sculptors of
the Native American Fine Art Movement. His innovation and experimentation with
materials pushes the boundaries of "Indian" art. The boundaries that his
father, Allan Houser helped to define. He is best known for his monumental cut
steel pieces which often deal with poignant topical issues. He approaches these
issues with a bit of a bite and a good dose of humor. His injection of humor
allows the serious issues to be more palatable and to have an universal
presence.
Haozous has chosen to take back his Apache family name and to reject
the anglo version -- Houser. This name was given to his father as a child in an
Oklahoma Indian boarding school. Together Haozous and Houser represent the
breath and depth of Native American sculpture. Haozous has been able to
establish himself as a leading artist because of his father's encouragement and
nurturing. As well, Haozous has encouraged and supported his father work.
"Woman in Love," is a joyful celebration of love and life. The figure
floats in ecstacy. Her angelic smile is echoed by the crescent curve of her
body. The surface of the stainless steel form is etched with buffalos, used by
Haozous as a personal iconographic design element and as a direct reference to
the stereotypical, romanticized past of the Indian. His interjection of human
commentary is gentle and good natured.
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