"Big Chief - Indian Blue"

34” wide x 22” high, unframed
38.5” wide x 26.5” high, framed

BIG CHIEF – INDIAN BLUE is a contemporary felted portrait honoring the quiet authority and cultural legacy of New Orleans’ Black Masking Indian tradition. Dominated by radiant shades of indigo, cobalt, and aqua, the piece conveys both regality and reverence. The Chief’s steady gaze emerges from layers of wet, Nuno, and needle-felted fibers, while hand-embellished beadwork, art yarns, and luminous crystals abstractly echo ceremonial storytelling. Framed by a dramatic halo of deep blue feathers, the work transforms tradition through fiber. This piece has been selected for the Personal Structures Exhibition of the Venice Art Biennale at the European Cultural Centre, Palazzo Mora, Venice, Italy—marking a powerful moment for contemporary fiber art on the global stage.