Frank “Buffalo” Hyde (Iroquois)graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His paintings reflect contemporary images that convey the reality about the Native American condition. A visual poet, Hyde’s paintings are energized with an often violent and shocking imagery with startling colors. Some of his influences are T.C. Cannon, Fritz Scholder and Basquiat, whose use of text encouraged Hyde’s own ideas. He calls his paintings a reaction against the Southwest’s tradition of serene Indian portraits. He once said: “As an artist I am the product of all that have come before me. Having said that, I feel as though it is my responsibility to take the Art to places it has never been in hopes that it may be seen in a different way. I believe that diversity is key to the continuation of Art. Also, I think that as a whole, it is time to re-evaluate the Art market and its values. In the coming years into the next century I will be involved in that process.”