DC Allen “Del Curfman”
Apsáalooke (Crow Tribe of Montana)
Painter
Born in 1993, Del Curfman grew up in the divides between his Apsáalooke (Crow Tribe of Montana) heritage and the greater Western/Montana/ Non-Native culture, forever influencing him and his artwork. A graduate and alumni of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and emerging artist, his work has found significance as a reminder that American Indian culture and traditions have not faded into history or obscurity. His artwork is a conduit for cross-cultural dialogue. Through time, space, and movement his paintings transgress the boundaries and limits of American Indian stereotypes. His work has been featured internationally, at the Field Museum of Chicago and the Neubauer, in local and national publications, and in galleries in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Bristol U.K.
Del is now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he remains concentrated on creating socially aware, community-engaged artwork.
WORKS
– portfolio –
Artist Statement
“My platform for creating art has been inspired and driven by my ancestors and heritage. My Kaale’ (grandmother) taught me to love and be curious about my Apsáalooke culture which has also driven me to paint and champion American Indian peoples.
As an emerging painter, I view my artwork as a contribution to the next generation of Indigenous story-telling. As a millennial, I believe that my generation should take initiative and responsibility to bring our Indigenous culture, traditional art forms, sacred knowledge, and our modern lives to the national and international stage. All too often our Native communities are misrepresented and misunderstood. My work as a contemporary American Indian artist aims to share Indigenous stories and our authentic realities.”