Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? 

In her paintings, Jordan Ann Craig (Cheyenne, b. 1992) shares an important belief: there is a pattern waiting to be noticed in even the smallest of moments if we are willing to look. Craig is a contemporary Indigenous artist whose monumental, abstracted paintings pull inspiration from historical beadwork and painted parfleche (containers made of animal hide) designs of her Cheyenne culture. With seemingly serious visuals, the artist playfully engages with the reality of the human experience: small quips, inside jokes, hard truths, and shared references become her fodder. Through Craig’s work, we see that while our brains may desire to identify and isolate the patterns in our relationships and daily lives, we are inextricably part of creating them.

If we are noticing the patterns, are the patterns noticing us?

IMAGES:
Jordan Ann Craig (Cheyenne, b. 1992). Sharp Tongue II, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70″ x 70″. Image courtesy of the artist. © Jordan Ann Craig Photography credit James Hart

Jordan Ann Craig (Cheyenne, b. 1992). Her Favorite Color is Pink, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 70″ x 70″. Image courtesy of the artist. © Jordan Ann Craig Photography credit James Hart