Dust Storm by Kevin Red Star
This story is featured in the August 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine.
Whether his portraits depict warriors, healers, or dancers, Montana-based artist Kevin Red Star is renowned for bringing the Crow Indian people to life in bold, colorful paintings. Red Star’s signature works present a fresh, contemporary approach to traditional Native American art, often mixing realism with elements of abstraction. This month Sorrel Sky Gallery features 20 new works by the artist in a show that opens with a reception on Friday, August 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Red Star is also one of the gallery’s featured artists during Santa Fe Indian Market.
Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells, who has represented the artist for 14 years, says that Red Star’s obvious devotion to his craft touches many viewers. “His work elicits something almost impossible to articulate,” Wells says. “The paintings stretch back in time, preserving historical detail that we can learn from. At the same time they capture a current moment, preserving it, and granting us continued lessons and enjoyment. I am confident that this show, presenting his new works, will produce a similar response in those people who visit the gallery.”