Benjamin Harjo Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Harjo Jr.
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Benjamin Harjo Jr. at the Heard Museum Fair
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| Born | September 14, 1945 |
| Died | May 20, 2023 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | Absentee Shawnee/Seminole Nation (American) |
| Education | MFA Oklahoma State University, Institute of American Indian Arts |
| Known for | Native American art, American art |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara C. Harjo |
Benjamin Harjo, Jr. (born September 14, 1945 – died May 20, 2023) was a famous painter and printmaker. He was known around the world for his art. Harjo lived in Oklahoma for most of his life.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Benjamin Harjo, Jr. had a mixed heritage. He was half-Seminole and half-Shawnee. He was officially part of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, which was his mother's family. His father, Benjamin Harjo Sr., was a full-blood Seminole. His mother, Viola Harjo, came from Byng, Oklahoma.
Benjamin Harjo Jr. was born in Clovis, New Mexico, on September 19, 1945. When he was young, his family moved back to Oklahoma. From age 10 to 18, he lived with his grandparents, Emmett and Ruth Wood.
The name "Harjo" means "Crazy" in the Muskogee language. This language was spoken by the Muscogee (Creek) people and the Seminole people. The word is also part of a military title, Chitto Harjo, which means "Crazy snake."
Learning and Serving
Benjamin Harjo Jr. loved drawing cartoons when he was young. He even sold his comics to his high school newspaper! He dreamed of becoming a professional cartoon animator.
In 1966, Harjo went to the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). He found out they no longer had an animation program. So, he studied other art forms and earned an Associate of Arts degree. Famous artists like T. C. Cannon and Linda Lomahaftewa were his classmates. His teacher, Seymour Tubis, taught him amazing printmaking skills.
In 1969, Harjo joined the US Army. He served bravely in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. After his time in the military, Harjo continued his art studies. He went to Oklahoma State University and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1974.
His Unique Art Style
Harjo's paintings often feature geometric shapes. He used bright, bold colors to create both abstract designs and stylized figures. His art sometimes looks like a mosaic, similar to traditional Seminole patchwork clothing.
He also worked with pen and ink, where his cartoon influences could be seen. When he made prints, he explored different textures and softer color palettes. His art is known for its humor, whether through funny pictures or clever titles.
Some of his tiny paintings were as small as a postage stamp! Yet, they still showed detailed portraits. Harjo used many different art materials. These included oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, crayons, pencil, and pastels. He also did printmaking and sometimes sculpture.
Harjo once said that inspiration could come from anywhere. He mentioned seeing "dirt on the back of a truck or a splat on a windshield." He believed that an artist's soul speaks through their art. He felt his art showed many feelings, from serious to joyful. He hoped his colors would make people feel happy.
Where to See His Art
You can find Benjamin Harjo Jr.'s artwork in many public places. These include:
- Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, Oklahoma
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Norman, Oklahoma
- US Embassy, Mogadishu, Somalia
- Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Awards and Recognition
Benjamin Harjo Jr. won many important awards for his art. In 2005, he was chosen as the poster artist for the Santa Fe Indian Market. This is a very big art show. He won top awards there consistently since 1983, including "Best of Show."
In 1987, he won the Red Earth Grand Award. He was the featured artist at the Heard Museum's 34th Annual Fair in 1993. He was also a featured artist for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian's annual benefit in 1992 and 1993. In 1990, he won a Gold Medal Award at the American Indian Cowboy Artists Wichita Show.
Oklahoma Governor David Walters honored Harjo for his art. Harjo was chosen by Absolut Vodka to represent Oklahoma in their USA Today advertising campaign.
Art Shows and Exhibitions
Harjo's art was shown in many places around the world.
- In 1992, he had an exhibit at the Franco-American Institute in Rennes, France.
- The Wichita Art Museum held a solo show of his work in 1991.
- Also in 1991, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian hosted a big show of his art. It was called The Earth, the Moon, and the Stars Above.
- In January 2010, he had a solo exhibition at Oklahoma State University. Harjo generously donated all the money from his art sales to the university's Art Department.
Later Life
Benjamin Harjo lived in Oklahoma City with his wife, Barbara. Barbara was a curator, gardener, and businesswoman. Benjamin Harjo Jr. passed away on May 20, 2023, at the age of 77.
