Ryan Signer will share his humble beginnings and journey into the art world. His presentation will include how he started creating art, his influences, education, and the start of his career by stepping, almost by accident, into the realm of Indigenous Futurisms. His artwork from the past 10-15 years to current works will be showcased.

Ryan Singer is a Diné (Navajo) artist-painter based in Albuquerque, NM. His artwork draws from his Navajo heritage and incorporates pop culture elements, including science fiction imagery. Ryan weaves stories from his childhood memories with nostalgic iconography. Although he is associated with the "Indigenous Futurism" movement, he has been drawing Star Wars characters since 1977. He enjoys creating portrait realism of Native subjects with a contemporary appeal, and his artwork is included in several museum and private collections worldwide. Ryan has received numerous awards from the renowned SWAIA's Santa Fe Indian Market. He earned his BFA in Art Studio from the University of New Mexico, where he participated in a collaborative lithography class with the Tamarind Institute. He is working on his MFA in Painting & Drawing at the University of New Mexico.

Born in Cedar City, Utah, but originally from Tuba City, Arizona, Ryan is of the Tódich’iinii (Bitter Water) clan and born for the Kinya’aani (Towering House) clan. Growing up in various parts of the Navajo Reservation, Ryan often reflects on his childhood through his depictions of science fiction and pop culture icons. Other notable works include the popular "Mutton Stew" painting, modeled after Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Tomato Soup Can" series with a Navajo twist, and the iconic "Wagon Burner," which has become his trademark symbol. He has participated in exhibitions featuring this new genre of art and co-curated an exhibition about the "Long Walk" with Tony Abeyta at the Navajo Nation Museum.