about Ofuskie.

Artist Statement.

The primary focus of my work is to understand myself as a human being. Each piece typically begins with a vision, but it's only through engaging with the work that I begin to grasp its subconsious meaning. Certain motifs frequently emerge in my art—humanity, animals, and my Indigenous culture—all of which help me delve deeper into my own belief systems.

Through my practice, I’ve come to believe that the more you understand yourself, the more you can contribute to society. Thus, every painting or artwork I create becomes part of an ongoing dialogue about the eternal pursuit of progress and connection.

This, I believe, is the true function of art—to initiate a conversation that transcends the object itself and continues into future generations. As I explore my connection to humanity, I find more commonalities than differences and hope to contribute to a worldwide movement that truly transcends social constructs which keep us artificially divided

Photo by Terrance Clifford, 2024.

artist cv.

Education

  • Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Santa Fe, New Mexico. USA | Bachelors of Fine Art, 2015

  • Studio Art College International (SACI) Florence, Italy | Masters of Fine Art, 2019

EXHIBITIONS

Current/Upcoming

  • 2026- Solo Exhibition Amy Kaslow Gallery 

  • 2026- Legacy Gallery Miniature show Scottsdale Az 

  • 2027 “Things to Come” Brooks Museum, Memphis Tennessee [Group Show]

past

  • 2026 - Casterline Gallery Aspen Art Fair, Aspen Colorado [Group Show]casterlinegoodman

  • 2026 - Santa Fe Indian Art Market, Santa Fe, NM

  • 2026 - “As We Have Always Been”, Gerald Peters Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM.gerald peters

  • 2026- “Dallas Art Fair”Gerald Peter’s Gallery, Dallas Tx [Group Show]

  • 2025 -  El Zaguen Musuem Santa Fe, NM [Solo]

  • 2025 — Figuring It Out, Gallery Hózhó at Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque, NM. Source:gallery hohzo

  • 2025 - “Sight of Resistance” Center for Native Futures, Chicago IL, USA [Group Show]

  • 2025 - “The Toy Box”, Minnie Park Art Project, New York, NY, USA [Group Show]

  • 2025 - “Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always”, Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA [Group Show]

Publications

  • Smith, Jaune Quick-to-See, et al. The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans. National Gallery of Art, 2023, pp. 40. (Copies are available for purchase here)

  • Horse With No Name, by George Alexander was featured on the cover of the 2023 Santa Fe Indian Market Booth Guide produced by Hutton Broadcasting and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. (Digital copy is available here)

Acquisition Highlights

Accomplishments

Press

Features

Background

Growing up in Mason, a rural town in Oklahoma, becoming an artist was far from expected. I’m the son of a Baptist preacher and Sunday School teacher and my passion for art first emerged as a coping mechanism during difficult times. When my parents fell ill and were hospitalized, it truly became my solace. At the age of 14, I lost both parents within eight months. Fortunately, I have a large family—five older sisters and one older brother. My older sister Myra played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

As you can imagine, I didn’t exactly intend to become a painter but my family encouraged me to look into the Institute of American Indian Arts. This was the first time I realized I could pursue a career in art. I applied, was luckily accepted and immersed myself in painting, driven by a desire for artistic excellence. As I delved deeper into my studies, read works by Alan Watts, Greg Cajete, and Vine Deloria Jr., my approach to art shifted. I began using art to guide my thoughts and explore narratives that helped me better understand myself.

My relationship with art has evolved significantly since childhood. While it still offers an escape, it has also become a tool for connection to others and myself. During my Master of Fine Arts program at Studio Art College International in Florence, my practice led me to understand that art is a conversation transcending objects and generations. The artwork serves merely as a conduit for this dialogue—a concept I believe indigenous people have long understood. In my work, I aim to reconnect with this profound truth.

photo by Wes Cunningham, One Trip Media, 2017.