CCAW 2024 Art Exhibition

As a Numunu/Khoiye-Goo woman, there is nothing more important to me than the voice of my people. I draw my inspiration from historical photographs of my tribal people, in particular the women of the tribes. I want people to see the inner beauty and strength of our women, not just the physical appearance. The colors represent my emotions and emotions around me. We carry all of these beautiful colors within ourselves and I want them to resonate with each portrait, without me having to speak about it.

Unity, spirituality, and connection to the earth are at the center of my culture, and these are the teachings that I want to continue. Storytelling is the way that we keep these traditions alive. I frequently incorporate tribal language and traditional stories into my paintings with the hope of inspiring the Native youth to keep creating and continue our traditions of storytelling in painting.

– NiCole Hatfield, Artist

NiCole Hatfield | Nahmi-A-Piah

NiCole is of the Comanche and Kiowa tribes. A self-taught contemporary painter, from Apache, OK, currently residing in Norman, OK. She loved drawing at an early age, which lead to painting at the age of 15. “Painting is medicine, its very healing to me.” Hatfield draws her inspiration from old historical photographs of tribal people. She frequently incorporates tribal language into her paintings in hopes of keeping the native languages alive. 

Hatfield attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for one semester. Where she transcended her art into a range of different mediums. Her preferred medium is acrylic which translates bold colors to canvas. Her artwork has been featured across the country, which also includes murals. Of which is located in Anadarko, OK on the Lacey Pioneer Building, and also Downtown OKC on E. Sheridan St. underpass titled “See The Woman.” In the summer of 2019, she created several murals one being located on the wall of the Thunderbird Casino outside of Norman, OK, The Museum of Native American History Bentonville, AR, and a temporary mural for the Oklahoma Contemporary summer project. She continues to participate in several Native American art markets throughout the year.  

Hatfield also travels the U.S. and locally creating live works of art for special events or fundraisers for organizations such as the Native American Student Program of the University of California in Riverside, CA, along with many other organizations throughout Indian Country. You can find her newest work on her website at www.nahmiahpiahart.com.