Garret Etsitty

Garrett Etsitty, a member of the Dine’ tribe, hails from Chinle, Arizona, where he was both born and nurtured amidst a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic fervor. His passion for painting and the cultural legacy of his people is deeply rooted in the ancient petroglyphs adorning canyon walls and the lore of the Dine’ passed down through generations. Garrett's artwork is a reflection of the Dine’ ethos, employing a dynamic interplay of vibrant hues and intricate layers to convey the indigenous perspectives of existence, creativity, and philosophy transcending the confines of time and space. He brings forth a worldview steeped in the tribal narratives shared by his elders, encapsulating the essence of unity with the cosmos and the continuity from ancestral creation myths to contemporary existence. His art seamlessly blends the depths of the subconscious with the challenges faced by the natural world, aiming to inspire and preserve cultural identity among the youth. Garrett aspires to bridge the gap between traditional stories and the younger generation, particularly targeting urban Indigenous youth, to rejuvenate and immortalize cultural heritage through visual storytelling.

With a portfolio that spans across the Southwest, Garrett Etsitty’s art has found resonance on both individual and collaborative platforms, engaging in socially relevant interdisciplinary projects for more than ten years. His commitment to using art as a medium to kindle a sense of belonging and cultural pride among young Indigenous people is at the core of his creative journey. Garrett articulates, “I dedicate my art to the youth, the bearers of our future stories. My painting is not just an act of passion but a mission to vivify our cultural narratives, making them tangible for today's viewer and ensuring they endure through time.”