In 1928, six Kiowa artists gained international attention when their works were exhibited at the International Congress for Art Education in Prague. A year later, a small French art press, l’Edition d’Art C. Szwedzicki, published a portfolio featuring reproductions of works by five of the six artists – Monroe Tsatoke, Jack Hokeah, Stephen Mopope, Lois (Bougetah) Smoky, and Spencer Asah. The C. Szwedzicki press used the pochoir technique, where stencils are created to translate original works into print reproductions. For some of the smaller details the workers would have painted freehand. These artworks reflect the time when they were created and embodies how these artists sought to preserve their present. They broke away from European influences in style and theme. Their art was their own. The success of the Kiowa Indian Art portfolio led to five more portfolios of Native American art. Of the six portfolios created between 1929 and 1952, KU Libraries has five in its collections.
Special thanks for your support and assistance in the creation of this exhibition: Freddy Gipp, Dr. Freda Gipp, Al Gipp, Sara Kronawitter, Melissa Mayhew, Angela Andres, Beth Whittaker, Nikki Pirch, Taylor Covert, and so many others!
Curated by Phil Cunningham, Kansas Collection Curator, and Sara Kronawitter, Public Service Student Assistant
This Omeka exhibit is an online version of a physical exhibit that was on display in Kenneth Spencer Research Library from October 2026 - January 2027.
