Jaune Quick-to-See Smith was a fearless artist and a relentless advocate who reshaped the way Indigenous stories are told in American art. She passed away at 85, leaving behind a legacy that’s impossible to ignore. Her work wasn’t just about painting—it was about challenging the narrative. I think the New York Times described her work best when they said, “She used symbols like canoes and buffalo the way Warhol used soup cans.” In other words, she turned familiar imagery into powerful statements on history, identity, and justice.
She was the first Native American artist to have a piece acquired by the National Gallery of Art, but she never wanted to be the exception—she wanted to open doors for others. Jaune was a force in the art world, curating exhibitions, fundraising, and even flying to D.C. to save the Institute of American Indian Arts from closure. She fought for representation, for opportunity, and for a future where Indigenous artists take their rightful place in museums and galleries.
Jaune’s style of artwork blends Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism with Native ideology to explore modern American life. Through paintings, drawings, prints, and assemblages, she combines traditional tribal motifs with contemporary symbols to address land and human rights, consumerism, and environmental issues. I have always appreciated her art because it is bold, with intricate features like desert landscapes, horses, bison, petroglyphs, and maps.
Some of her pieces, “Modern Times on the Rez: All Together” (1994) and “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” (2002), are esteemed pieces in the Clark Collection. The former, a mixed-media collage, and the latter, a watercolor on paper, were both featured at the Garth Greenan Gallery in New York before finding a home at Clayco’s Phoenix office. These pieces stand as a testament to Jaune’s enduring impact, capturing the essence of nature and the rich diversity of the communities she represents.
Jaune didn’t just make art – she made history. I am sending my deepest condolences to Jaune’s family and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists, leaders, and storytellers.
