Home is a profound significance for Edgar Heap of Birds.
Rebel Artist Edgar Heap of Birds ignites dialogue at Stockton University
In a powerful display of artistic activism, renowned Native American artist Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne/Arapaho) graced Stockton University's halls on April 4-5, 2025. The occasion marked the beginning of preparations for the United States' 250th anniversary next year and featured a mix of seminars, art exhibitions, and inspiring discussions.
Heap of Birds, whose works reside in the Smithsonian Institution, Whitney Museum of American Art, Tate Modern, and many other prestigious institutions, captivated audiences as the event's keynote speaker and a participating artist in the university's "Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures" exhibition.
Before his awe-inspiring address to cultural leaders, local politicians, fellow artists, and university faculty, Heap of Birds engaged with art students during an enlightening lecture and Q&A session at the Stockton University Art Gallery.
A multi-disciplinary artist fond of large-scale drawings, neuf series acrylic painting, printmaking, glass works, and outdoor steel sculptures, Heap of Birds emphasized the crucial role of artists as advocates for social justice in their communities and beyond.
An advocate for collaborative residencies among artists from diverse cultures, Heap of Birds shared his experiences collaborating with Indigenous artists from Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe during his speech.
His exhibition pieces, such as the “Our Nation's Capitals” (2023) prints and the sprawling "Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures," highlighted Tribal capitals and headquarters, pulling attention to lesser-known Native locations such as Gila River, Concho Red Rock, Isleta White River, Grand Portage, Santa Catalina, and Round Valley Cherokee.
During his Q&A with art students, Heap of Birds urged them to immerse themselves in their cultural communities, emphasizing that art is not just something to be painted about. Instead, genuine engagement with family, traveled experiences, and curiosity about the world are integral to creating powerful and meaningful art.
Reflecting these sentiments, Heap of Birds established a new residency program at Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia, where he earned his MFA. The Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery, which supports Native artists in North America, will offer an artist's residency every two years, starting with painter Norman Akers (Osage) this year.
Heap of Birds' commitment to his traditional roots and the next generation of Native artists and activists is evident in his role as a leader of the Cheyenne Elk Scraper Warrior Society and his involvement in the traditional Earth Renewal Ceremony at Concho, Oklahoma.
Looking back on his collaborations with celebrated artists like the late Ana Mendieta and Keith Haring, Peter Jemison (Tuscarora/Seneca), and David Hammons, an African-American artist based in New York, Heap of Birds finds inspiration in the rhythm of the New York City jazz scene. "I go back and forth in spaces like New York, Rio, South Africa, Australia, but I return home," he often concludes, emphasizing the importance of his roots.
--Penny Miller, Ph.D. (Powhatan-Pamunkey) is a Purdue University Professor emerita, photographer, and freelance art critic.
Top photo: Dr. Ian Marshall, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Stockton University, with Edgar Heap of Birds.
Did you know?
--Edgar Heap of Birds' works, such as "Born from Sharp Rocks," have addressed Native American protests and the importance of visibility for Indigenous struggles within mainstream culture.
--Heap of Birds' works can be found in notable institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Whitney Museum of American Art, Tate Modern, and more.
--Heap of Birds' recent retrospective was presented by Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, honoring his impact on contemporary Indigenous art.
--Heap of Birds has collaborated with artists from diverse Indigenous communities and strives to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in his work.
- After his speech at Stockton University, Edgar Heap of Birds emphasized the significance of artists as advocates for social justice within fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, and pop-culture industries.
- The Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery, established by Heap of Birds at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, will offer opportunities for Native artists in fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, books, entertainment, and celebrities to showcase their work.
- Heap of Birds' inspiration in creating artwork stems not only from his cultural roots but also from his diverse collaborations with artists from around the world, including those active in fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, books, entertainment, and celebrities industries.
