Nationality
American, Arikara and Hidatsa
Preview
Date of Work
ca. 2025
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Signature
Bottom left
Height
22.5"
Width
25"
Depth
2"
Collection/Provenance
Contemporary Indigenous Art Collections: Student Government Collection
Status
Pulled for exhibition.
Location
UND Art Collections Repository
Artist Bio
Monte Yellow Bird Sr., known in the art world as Black Pinto Horse, is an Arikara/Hidatsa artist from the Three Affiliated Tribes raised in White Shield, North Dakota. As an award-winning and internationally recognized artist, he masterfully intertwines his heritage with contemporary visual art and education, reflecting his cultural traditions and spirituality.
Black Pinto Horse discovered his passion for art at an early age within a large family of limited means on the reservation. This journey led him to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, at the age of 16, followed by further studies in Studio Art and History Education at North Dakota State University, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Minot State University. What began as a way to engage his hands in childhood has evolved into a profoundly fulfilling endeavor, allowing him to share his culture and traditional teachings with a global audience through artistic expression.
Past and present experiences inspire his diverse mediums and visual narratives about his culture. His mother's teachings, his father's dedication and tenacity, and his myriad connections with those around him all significantly influence his artistic vision. Through his work, Black Pinto Horse invites viewers to engage with cultural stories and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Native American heritage.
Additional Information
This piece includes images of blue mountain asters, berries, white lodges, stars, and pink clouds to suggest the enlightenment of a lifelong journey.
From the artist: The Star Boy series is inspired by Arikara tribal stories about the Son of the Morning Star, known as Star Boy. This series explores the traits of courage associated with him and the honorable warriors he admires on Earth, reflecting his perspective as a celestial deity. Red Star was a real-life young Arikara warrior who, at 16, served with the US Calvery during the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876 and returned to earn a place in history and honor as a brave man among other Arikara warriors. While some of the background information and overall details regarding the conflict and the parties involved were either inaccurate or unacknowledged, the events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn—previously known as "Custer's Last Stand"—have often been overlooked. This narrative illustrates the journey of a young warrior, highlighting his courage, dedication to his people, and belief in a greater truth beyond himself. “ A young boy’s life and internal spirit are often driven by the beautiful experiences they bring to others or the need to replace the beautiful experiences they lack in their soul.” Black Pinto Horse. 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. The young man Red Star rides into battle on his spotted horse, known in the Arikara language as the sacred dog, to win his honor among all creation. He carries a single arrow, one from his quiver, and his bow is fully drawn as a reminder of his commitment and that he has one arrow, one life on this journey. Underneath him is a clear path designed in multicolor triangles; red represents his people, and blue is sacred, pointing toward his battle. In the background, pink clouds serve as a reminder to love ourselves and accept our current situation in life. If we find ourselves unhappy, we can change our thoughts and direction and commit to transformation. The single red star represents the young warrior and pays tribute to our loved ones who live on among the stars.
Condition
Excellent