Short Bio
Robert DesJarlait is from the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation. He is a visual artist, muralist, writer, historian, and educator. He began his career in art in 1984. His paintings and illustrations primarily focus on the family life and the role of women in traditional Ojibwe-Anishinaabe culture. He has served as a cultural mentor and advisor on many public art projects. He has illustrated curriculum units for American Indian Education Programs and American Indian agencies and organizations in Minnesota. His recent work is in permanent collections at University of Minnesota / Morris Campus and East Central Regional Arts Gallery. Robert is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Reference Encyclopedia of the American Indian, and American Indian Painters.
Statement
As an artist, I approach my art from a tribal perspective. Through my art, I visualize facets of Ojibwe experience. My representational paintings are personal visions of a tribal reality. My images compose an Ojibwe universe that is interwoven with creation/origin stories, history, customs, and traditions. In essence, my art revolves around my central theme – Ojibwe Manidoowiwin, the tribal spirit of the Ojibwe people.
