Memorial: Positive and Negative Space by indigenous artist, Tony Tiger

• Opening Reception: Thursday, August 5, 4-6pm
• Exhibit: August 5-November 5, 2021
• Crystal Bridge Conservatory Visitor Lobby
• Free to view during hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm, closed Mondays

Join us for the opening of our latest exhibit, “Memorial: Positive and Negative Space,” by indigenous artist, Tony Tiger. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served while guests get the first view of his latest works. Tony will be on hand to speak about his work and process and answer your questions. See his work at the Gardens before seeing it next month at the opening of the First Americans Museum.

Tony A. Tiger is an artist, an Indigenous art curator and art educator. Tiger is a member of the Sac and Fox Tribe with Seminole and Muscogee Creek ancestry. Tony earned a Master of Fine Art degree from the University of Oklahoma Norman and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Oklahoma State University Stillwater. His art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with numerous awards to his credit. His latest curation project Speak: Speak While You Can, a multi tribal art exhibition, which focuses on the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Oklahoma, opens at the Seminole Nation Museum in Wewoka, Oklahoma on September 1, 2021. Tony is married to Brenda his faithful supporter. He enjoys the outdoors and community activities. Tiger is represented by the Exhibit C Gallery in Oklahoma City Bricktown and the Rain Maker Gallery in Bristol, UK.

Artist Statement

My art is fueled by the belief that mankind is more than mere reflection in a mirror; we are soul and spirit. My art explores the wonder and mystery of life’s challenges and victories. The incorporation of painting, printmaking, tribal art, and construction are my preferred forms for creating. The culture and history of my ancestors play an important part of my creativity. Woodland design, Seminole patchwork symbols, and Muscogee language and photography allow me to communicate my cultural ownership as a Native man in 21st century America. Life is short – I enjoy working in series, small and large bodies of art that communicate specific themes.

Memorial incorporates several series from the last couple of years, many pieces from 2020 – Indigenous Horse Culture, Oklahoma Tribal Identity, Woodland Expression, and Spiritual Transformation. The wisdom of reconciliation allows me to view life fully conscious; understanding and knowledge encourage me to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of existence. This belief encourages my curation and collaborative work.

I dedicate this exhibition to the many Indigenous individuals who died during this challenging time: my family member Harry D. Wood. I give thanks to the Almighty for life.

Interested in having an exhibit in our gallery? Please fill out the form below. Thank you! 

For artists’ inquiries please fill out this form here. 

Permanent Sculpture

Sculpture Addition to the Children’s Garden

“Friendship” Sculpture: Well-known Boston artist, Nancy Schön, has captured the true nature of friendship in this bronze sculpture of two prairie dogs on display in the Children’s Garden.

Story Teller Chair

“Storyteller’s Chair” Sculpture: Oklahoma City artist, Don Narcomey, created this Sculpture with bois d’ arc wood (Osage Orange), an extremely hard and decay-resistant wood used in the past for fence posts and bows to shoot arrows. It is a magical addition to storytime in the Children’s Garden.

Gold Fish Sculpture

“Goldfish” Sculpture: This Texas Cream Limestone sculpture measuring approximately 18” x 4’ x 5’ 10” displayed on the lake level is a Fancy Tail Goldfish. This sculpture was created by Oklahoma City artist, Kendall Howerton.

 “Gateway” Sculpture

“Gateway” Sculpture: Artist Hans Van de Bovenkamp created the 14-foot red abstract sculpture as a means to connect the organic forms of nature with urban architecture and the environment. You can find this sculpture in the northwest corner of the Gardens.