Artwork copyright Brian Tripp. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Artwork copyright Brian Tripp. Photo courtesy of the artist (reverse side of painting).

Bringing the Dance Back Home, 1984

Brian Tripp
(American | Karuk, born 1945)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Bringing the Dance Back Home is a drawing by Native American artist Brian Tripp. He combines expressive abstract lines and geometric shapes with symbolic imagery reflecting his heritage.

This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Native American artist Brian Tripp (Karuk) creates conceptual artworks in a variety of media. He is also a traditional dancer and singer carrying on the ceremonies of the Karuk Tribe of Northern California. After serving in the Vietnam War, Tripp studied art at Humboldt State University in California, where he later taught art.