Artwork copyright Brian Tripp. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

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

Bringing the Dance Back Home, 1984

Brian Tripp
(American | Karuk, born 1945, died 2022)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Bringing the Dance Back Home by Karuk artist Brian Tripp combines expressive abstract lines and geometric shapes with symbolic imagery reflecting his heritage. The title also reflects his belief in the Indian Way. In his own words, “Through my body flows blood of singers and dancers, carvers and basket makers, gatherers, hunters, and fishermen, all believers in the traditional religion and the old way. I know I am these people and I have done all those things before, many, many, years ago.”

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, 1945-2022) created mixed media artworks that blend abstract and geometric patterns inspired by Karuk basketry and regalia, with commentary on the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. He was committed to preserving Karuk heritage and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Tripp grew up in Klamath, Northern California. He was a traditional dancer and singer carrying on the ceremonies of the Karuk Tribe of Northern California. After serving in the Vietnam War, Tripp became more interested in his own culture. Tripp studied art at Humboldt State University in California, where he later taught art during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2018, he received the California Living Heritage Award from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA). His powerful mixed media art is in museum collections across the U.S.