Ryan Singer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ryan Singer
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Ryan Singer in 2008
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| Born |
Ryan Singer
August 24, 1973 |
| Nationality |  Navajo Nation and USA |
| Education | BFA Arizona State University |
| Known for | Painting, drawing, screen printing |
| Movement | Indigenous Futurisms, Native Pop |
Ryan Singer was born on August 24, 1973. He is a talented Navajo artist. Ryan creates amazing paintings and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He belongs to the Tódich'íinii clan, born for Kinyaa'áani. Ryan Singer is famous for his bright, energetic art. His work often mixes Pop Art ideas with Native American and everyday culture.
As far back as I can remember I have always loved art—drawing, painting, making music. What I like most about it is the freedom to create something—anything—from nothing. – Ryan Singer, 2009
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Ryan Singer's Early Life and Inspiration
The best thing for a kid is encouragement. My mother always got me art supplies and encouraged me. I think that was all it took. –Ryan Singer, 2009
Ryan Singer was born in Cedar City, Utah. He grew up on the Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Arizona. As a kid, Ryan found inspiration in comic books. He also loved watching his uncle, Ed Singer, paint in his studio. During summer breaks, he went to Navajo sheep camp. There, he learned to understand the Navajo language.
When he was 10, Ryan studied art books. He learned about both Western artists and Navajo artists. These included Shonto Begay and Bahe Whitethorne Sr.. He also became interested in Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí.
As a teenager, Ryan got into punk rock culture. He loved zines, skateboarding, and hardcore punk. After finishing high school in Window Rock, Arizona, in 1992, he went to Northern Arizona University. He studied forestry because he loved nature and the environment. This led him to work for the United States Forest Service for five years. He left because he was not happy with the government rules. In 2004, he went to Arizona State University. He studied fine arts and later became a full-time artist.
How Ryan Singer Works Today
When Ryan is not making art, he helps with art shows. He also designs graphics and guides new artists. In 2010, he helped start Native Artists For HOPE. This group helps young Native American artists. They offer guidance, workshops, and support. Ryan lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife, Nathania Tsosie, manages his website and art sales. Many art galleries show his work.
Ryan Singer's Art Career
I don't like to conform. That's what art is about—freedom. That's what being an artist is. The most important thing: Speak your own truth. – Ryan Singer, 2010
Ryan Singer gets ideas for his art from two main places. He uses popular culture and parts of Navajo culture. You can see influences from comic books and record album covers. He also uses ideas from science fiction. He mixes these with a Pop Art style. This mix is part of a movement called Indigenous Futurisms.
He also loves the look and stories of Star Wars. Classic movies and TV shows like Star Trek, Godzilla, Flash Gordon, and old horror films inspire him. Ryan is also known for his detailed portraits. He has painted Marilyn Monroe wearing a Navajo blanket. He also painted Boba Fett with a coyote.
Ryan Singer's First Artworks
Ryan's first finished painting was when he was 16. It was a self-portrait of him wearing a Batman T-shirt. His head was wrapped up like a mummy. When he went back to college, he got two big chances. He was asked to create pictures for a book by Salina Bookshelf. He also had a museum show.
Famous Artworks by Ryan Singer
Wagon Burner
In the early 2000s, Ryan Singer had a vision. He said, "About 10, 15 minutes before going to sleep, I was dreaming with my eyes open.... I could see myself driving on the side of a cliff and I saw the sign. I sketched it out and went to sleep." This experience led to one of his most famous images, Wagon-burner. It shows a yellow road sign with a covered wagon on fire. The wagon is rolling down a hill. It's a Pop Art way of looking at the wagon trains. These wagons traveled through Navajo and other Native American lands in the Old American West.
Mutton Stew
This artwork is a tribute to Andy Warhol. Sheep Is Good Food takes Warhol's famous Campbell Soup can print. Ryan adds a Navajo twist to it. The Campbell Soup can becomes a can of mutton stew. Instead of the Campbell gold seal, Ryan put an image of a sheep being lassoed. This image has become one of Ryan's most popular. It was even on the cover of the Phoenix New Times in 2010. The original painting is kept at the Heard Museum.
Where to See Ryan Singer's Art
You can find Ryan Singer's art in these important collections:
- Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ
- Navajo Nation Museum, Window Rock, AZ
- The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge, SD
Notable Exhibitions of Ryan Singer's Work
Ryan Singer's art has been shown in many important exhibitions:
- 2020: Indigenous Futurisms: Transcending Past / Present / Future, Museum of Contemporary Native American Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- 2012: Low-Rez: Native American Lowbrow Art, Eggman and Walrus Art Emporium, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- 2010: Pop!: Popular Culture in Native American Art, Heard Museum, Phoenix AZ
- 2010: Transcending Traditions: Contemporary American Indian Artwork, Mesa Center for Contemporary Arts, Mesa, Arizona
- 2010: I Didn't Cross the Border; the Border crossed Me, Museum of Contemporary Native Art, Lloyd Kiva New Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- 2009: From Robots to Pin-ups: Artwork of Ryan Singer, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Awards and Honors for Ryan Singer
Ryan Singer has received many awards for his art:
- Cover Artist, 2010, Phoenix New Times
- Artist-in-Residence, 2009, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
- Cover Artist, 2009, Native Peoples Magazine
- Adult Smile Award, 2008, Santa Fe Indian Market
- Judge's Choice, 2008, Heard Museum Indian Market
- Honorable Mention, 15th Annual West Valley Invitational Native American Arts Festival
- Honorable Mention, Heard Museum Indian Market
- 2nd Place in Painting, Drawing & Graphics, 57th Navajo Festival of Arts & Crafts
- Best in Division, 2005, Heard Museum Indian Market
