Santiago X facts for kids

Santiago X is a talented artist and architect who uses his skills in many ways. He creates land art, designs buildings, works with new technology in art, and even makes hip hop music! Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1982, he is a member of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and also has roots from the Island of Guam (Hacha'Maori). Santiago X sees himself as an "Indigenous Futurist," which means he uses art to connect ancient Indigenous ideas with future possibilities.

In 2020, the U.S. State Department asked him to be the main artist for a program called The American Arts Incubator in Brazil. He also made history in 2019 at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. He created two public art pieces along the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers. These pieces were like ancient mound shapes, and he was the first Native American artist to have work shown at this big event.

His Background and Learning

Santiago X studied art and design at several universities. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. Later, he received a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California. He also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Art and Technology from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. These studies helped him combine his interests in art, technology, and the environment.

What Kind of Art Does He Make?

Santiago X is known for his unique approach to art. He often creates land art, which means he uses natural landscapes as his canvas. His work often connects to Indigenous traditions and stories, bringing them into modern and future settings. He uses new media, like digital tools and virtual reality, to explore these ideas. His art often makes people think about history, nature, and the future.

Important Projects

One of his notable projects was for the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial. He built two large mound effigies, which are shapes made from earth, similar to those created by ancient Indigenous cultures. These works helped people think about the land's history and its original caretakers.

His work with the U.S. State Department in Brazil involved using art to explore new ideas and connect different cultures. This shows how his art can reach people all over the world.

Where Has His Art Been Shown?

Since 2016, Santiago X has shown his art and created special installations in many places around the world.

• In 2019, he showed a piece called SOLOKCI ITABITKA (WHERE GHOSTS DANCE) at an exhibition at the Yale School of Architecture. This show was about making space for different voices and ideas.
• Also in 2019, his artwork HAYO TIKBA (THE FIRE INSIDE) was specially created for the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
• In 2018, he exhibited a light and sound artwork called THE RETURN (o:lači okhiča) at Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria. This is a famous festival for art, technology, and society.
• His art has also been featured in a virtual reality exhibition called PORTAL, at Expo 2010 Shanghai, and at the Venice Biennale, which is a very important art event in Italy.

Awards and Honors

Santiago X has received recognition for his artistic achievements.

• New City Top 50 Artist (2020)
• 3Arts Award (2019)