An extraordinary example of plains indian storytelling with folk art, this painting features the wigwams of a Plains Indian village, a train on tracks nearby and a group of Indian horse riders. Style is reminiscent of ledger-style art. Framed and signed on the face, “Best Wishes Ben Nelson”

A member of the Kiowa tribe of Oklahoma, Ben was born in Albuquerque, NM in 1982. His father is Navajo, (Yellowman). His mother is Kiowa of Taos Indian descent.(Diana L. Tsoodle-Nelson).

Ben began painting at 5 years old. He is a self-taught artist who graduating from Albuquerque’s Sandia High School, and attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Ben’s paintings are often based on imagery from his Kiowa heritage. They are full of vitality, with expressive use of color. They remind us, as this one does, of ledger art of the Plains.

Acquired in 2008 at Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, NM
28” x 21” framed. #AGWA02.