Artwork copyright Harry Fonseca. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Coyote Koshare, 1984

Harry Fonseca
(American | Maidu, born 1946, died 2006)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Coyote Koshare is part of late Native American artist Harry Fonseca's series of artworks that explore the personality of Coyote, the trickster and transformer. In Native American mythology, Coyote is characterized as adaptable and cunning. Fonseca's "Coyote" series places him in non-traditional settings such as modern cities and other cultures, and uses him to explore the role of the artist and the Native American in our world. "Koshare" refers to the ritual clown dancers of the Pueblo Indians of the Southwestern U.S.

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 Harry Fonseca (1946-2006) created artworks that explore the traditions, myths, and legends of his Maidu heritage, but also included his personal life experiences. He was an important force in expanding definitions of Native American art, as well as shattering stereotypes.

Fonseca was born in Sacramento, California of Nisenan Maidu (Northern California), Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage. He studied art at California State University Sacramento with Native American artist Frank LaPena but quit to pursue his own vision of art.