Blackbear Bosin

Blackbear Bosin
Born
Francis Blackbear Bosin

(1921-06-05)June 5, 1921
Cyril, Oklahoma, United States
DiedAugust 9, 1980(1980-08-09) (aged 59)
Wichita, Kansas, United States
NationalityKiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, American
Other namesTsate Kongia
Occupation(s)Artist (sculptor, painter), Graphic Designer
Notable workKeeper of the Plains, 1968-1974
From Whence All Life, 1972
Wichita, My Son, 1965
Prairie Fire, 1955
Wind Spirit, 1955
AwardsNational American Indian Achievements Award, American Indian Art and Cultural Exchange, 1976
Certificate of Appreciation, American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, 1976
Distinguished Service Award, State of Kansas, 1977
Kansas Governor's Artist, 1977
Websiteblackbearbosin.com

Blackbear Bosin (June 5, 1921 – August 9, 1980) was a self-taught Kiowa/Comanche sculptor, painter, and commercial artist. He is also known by his Kiowa name, Tsate Kongia, which means "black bear."

Bosin gained notoriety for his surreal and dynamic variations on the traditional Flatstyle painting of the Southern Plains Indians, and he add depth, motion, and drama to the genre while emphasizing symbolism.

His works have been modern icons of Native American art, and of his community (Wichita), county (Sedgwick County), state (Kansas) and region.