Nightshield

In the moon, stars, and other images of this painting, Penn combines ceremonial and biographical art to recall the heritage of his people. In his words: The wrapped crow represents a personal medicine spirit, and the sweetgrass braid would also have been used as a prayer offering. The pictographic riders in the background portray warriors in battle. The entire piece symbolizes the spiritual strength of those who fought to protect their people. Robert Penn typified the multiple role of an Indian artist working in today's modern world. He said: As a Native American living in modern society I have a dual role as artist and interpreter. Abstraction of symbols and themes can re-interpret and integrate the modern world as seen from an Indian viewpoint with strict adherence to traditional art forms, and can transcend both worlds to become contemporary art as well as a cultural statement.