Artwork copyright Marvin Oliver. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Shark Mask, 1984

Marvin Oliver
(American | Quinault | Isleta-Pueblo, born 1946, died 2019)

Location: Washington State University, Pullman

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Late Native American artist Marvin Oliver's (Quinault/Isleta) hand-carved, painted, and decorated Shark Mask is part of his body of sculptures that celebrate Northwest Coastal culture. He noted that masks were traditionally made for ceremonial dances and represent "the various mythical beings which were associated with family crests, such as the bear, raven, eagle, frog, and shark, etc." The masks eyes, eyebrows, teeth, and other features are made of copper, abalone shell, and silver.

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

Seattle-based Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo artist Marvin Oliver (1946-2019) was a master carver, sculptor, and printmaker producing works in cedar wood, bronze, glass, steel, and paper.

Oliver was born in Shelton on southern Puget Sound and worked within the traditions of Native American Northwest Coast designs and themes. He was also an important influence on contemporary Native American art and artists. He described his art as "formulated by merging the spirit of past traditions with those of the present... to create new horizons for the future." Many of his artworks express his ideas and Native American stories about life, time, traditions, ancestors, the universe, and his hope for future generations.

Oliver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University in 1970 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1973. He was Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington and Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Native American Art at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (both in Seattle). In the 1970s, he began a tradition of an annual “Raven’s Feast” dinner at the University of Washington to celebrate the accomplishments of Native American and Alaska Native graduates. He also gifted one of his prints to each graduate. Raven’s Feast has grown into a cornerstone of the UW Native community.