James Schoppert
James "Jim" Schoppert | |
---|---|
Born | May 28, 1947 |
Died | September 2, 1992 | (aged 45)
Nationality | American |
Known for | Woodcarving, sculpture, painting, poetry |
Movement | Northwest Coast art, contemporary Native art |
Robert James "Jim" Schoppert (May 28, 1947 – September 2, 1992) was an
Throughout his career he spoke on behalf of Alaska Native artists and visual artists in general. He taught at the
Early life
Schoppert was born in
Career
In 1973, Schoppert came to
During his career as an artist he also served on the state arts councils of both Alaska and Washington.[3] He created the North Coast Indian flat design that is on the entrance to the west end of the I-90 tunnel in Seattle. There are several of his works throughout Alaska and Washington. This includes one of the last pieces he made, a large carving for the Port of Seattle to be installed at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport[needs update].[2]
Artwork
Schoppert's artwork covered a wide range of techniques such as woodcarving, abstract paintings, drawings, mask making, and, most notably, his large, carved panel pieces. The wood panel pieces are also what created some controversy over whether his art was mainstream or Northwest Coastal. Schoppert learned that the Tlingit formline that was considered the customary method was only a relatively recent development among the Northwest Indian. It was his opinion that enforcing the practices of the 1850s or 1950s as the rule for all time amounted to artistic tyranny.[3] He has been quoted as saying "Learn the rules, then break them".[3] When talking about his panels, his intention was to further the art by following what he considered its natural progression. "If Art has a Master, Imagination cracks the whip".(1987)[1] It is clear that he was true to his beliefs when examining his work. He went beyond the boundaries of established Northwest Coastal art and was a contributor to the evolution of contemporary Native art.[5]
Although Schoppert is best known for his panels, he also produced several pieces that followed conventional methods and formline design. This is most evident in his mask making, an example of Jim using this style can be found in his mask Forehead Mask (1977) and Mussel Shell Rattle (1992). In addition he had several paintings and drawings that incorporate Indigenous subject matter but do not use of formline.
Exhibitions
- 1984: "The New Native American Aesthetic", Marilyn Butler Gallery, Santa Fe
- 1984: C.N. Gorman Museum at University of California, Davis
- 1985: "New Ideas from Old Traditions", Yellowstone Arts Center
- 1985: North Central Washington Museum, Wenatchee, WA
- 1985: "Visage Transcended: Contemporary Native American Masks", American Indian Contemporary Arts Gallery, San Francisco
- 1985: Second Biennial Invitational, Heard Museum, Phoenix
- 1986: "What is Native American Art?'"
- 1989: "Native American Expressions of Surrealism", Sacred Circle Gallery, Seattle
- 1990: "Northern Lights", SunRunner, Ojai, CA
- 1990: "Eleven Stories", Sacred Circle Gallery, Seattle
- 1991: "Eleventh Anniversary Show", Stonington Gallery, Seattle
- 1991: "Raw Materials", Sacred Circle Gallery, Seattle
- 1991: "A Northern Perspectives", The Legacy Ltd., Seattle
- 1992: "Salmon:Ritual and Resource," Stonington Gallery, Seattle
- 1992: "Visions of Alaska", Denise Wallace Gallery, Santa Fe
- 1992: "Instrument of Change: Retrospective Exhibition", Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center New York City
Posthumous
Schoppert's final exhibition was hosted by the
References
- ^ Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Anchorage, 1997.
- ^ a b Ament, Deloris Tarzan (September 19, 1992). "Robert James Schoppert, 45, Used Tlingit Heritage in his Artwork". The Seattle Times.
- ^ a b c d e f Dunham, Mike (March 16, 1997). "A Bridge Unfinished: Late Tlingit Artist's Quest for Unity in Diversity Celebrated in New Show". Anchorage Daily News.
- ^ a b Julie Decker. Icebreakers: Alaska's Most Innovative Artists. Anchorage Museum, Anchorage, 1999.
- ^ Smithsonian National Museum on the American Indian of Change: Retrospective Exhibition 1947-1992
External links
- Seattle PI Archives, "Memorial Service for Tlingit Artist Robert James Schoppert"
- Seattle International Airport Permanent Art List
- Alaska Art[permanent dead link] James Schoppert biography