Lines Unleashed
Michael Patton (Oglala Lakota)

Lines Unleashed presents a new series of sculptural works by visual artist Michael Patton. The works, made of hand-twisted wire, cotton fabric, and fiberboard, take the form of images from Patton's sketchbook. Through his creative process, Patton often begins an idea with a sketch on paper; he believes drawings are the first words spoken when transmitting ideas. While defining his skills in three-dimensional structures, Patton focuses on lines strewing from paper-like backgrounds as they morph into familiar motifs. His images of lightning bolts dripping off a buffalo skull and a thunderous cloud floating over the Badlands carry a powerful narrative about the place and people Patton hails from, engaging the viewers in a visual story.

During the summer of 2024, Patton completed a two-month internship with Racing Magpie, gaining insight into organizing public events, spending time in the studio, and assisting in the planning and developing of future projects with Racing Magpie.

Michael Patton (he/him) is a citizen of Oglala Lakota Oyate and of Isleta Pueblo descent. Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota, Patton is a self-taught creative, beginning with drawing and moving into graphics and screen printing. His skills later established Lakota Art Studio, a small business consisting of graphics for appeal. Patton also dabbles in poetry and has experience teaching workshops for youth. In 2018, he received his AA in carpentry from Oglala Lakota College, where he shifted his two-dimensional skills into three-dimensional forms. In 2023, Patton began a new journey, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a testament to his dedication to his craft.