2022 Bighorn Rendezvous Artist – Robert Martinez

Robert Martinez was born on the Wind River Reservation in Riverton, Wyoming. He attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and in 3 years he graduated becoming the Youngest Native American to graduate at that time. His Northern Arapaho & Chicago heritage remains a constant inspiration and source of ideas for his work. Living in Wyoming among the hard working people of the west and experiencing their issues also influence his creations. The past and present often resonate strongly throughout his work. In 2019 Martinez received the Wyoming Governors Arts Award.  He is represented in the collections of the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington DC; The Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West; The Brinton Museum; and the Red Cloud Heritage Museum.

Robert’s current work uses the historical imagery, myth’s and stories of the West & Arapaho Culture to create images that have a statement on the issues of today. Using a strong contrast in of lights and darks, and painting in intense vibrant color, he creates striking imagery that is confronting and engages the viewer.