Untitled Document

Dennis R. Fox Jr. in ceremonial dress as a member of the Prairie Chicken Clan of the Hidatsa.

Dennis R. Fox Jr. is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. His Indian name is Ma-shu-ga Nix-bitsi (Dog Bear).

Fox often incorporates the rich history and oral traditions of American Indian culture into his work. He strives for a contemporary style, but seeks to reflect the ancient traditions of his ancestors. When he creates a work of art that is directly related to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes, he is careful to be accurate. He listens to stories told to him by tribal elders and studies the styles and techniques that have been passed from generation to generation. His work, which ranges from traditional Native American styles to avant-garde abstract, is in many museum, gallery, public, and private collections.

"Today's Native American artists have the responsibility to make sure that their culture continues for their children. Therefore, the artists must participate in the current movements of artistic styles, yet they are responsible for maintaining traditional values and mores of their tribal culture."

--Dennis R. Fox Jr.