Sorrel Sky Gallery Presents Matthew Grant's Powerful New Series "Sitting Bull: Portrait of a Leader"

SANTA FE, NM – Sorrel Sky Gallery is proud to announce the debut of Matthew Grant's compelling new series featuring portraits of the legendary Lakota Sioux leader Sitting Bull. The exhibition showcases Grant's distinctive approach to historical portraiture, transforming vintage black-and-white photographs from the late 1800s into vivid, contemporary works that honor one of America's most influential Native American leaders. It will be on view during the Santa Fe Indian Market, August 15-17, 2025, at our location at 125 W. Palace Avenue.

Working from his studio in Utah, Grant has developed a unique artistic process that combines meticulous historical research with his signature colorization technique. His latest series focuses exclusively on Sitting Bull, the revered chief who led his people through some of the most turbulent periods in American history, including the famous victory at Little Bighorn.

"I'm fascinated by the power and nobility captured in these vintage photographs," says Grant. "Sitting Bull had this incredible ability to motivate and protect his people. I wanted to capture his calmness and stoic presence while bringing these historic images to life through color, texture, and light."

Grant's artistic journey with Native American subjects began in childhood, as he grew up in Texas and traveled through reservations with his family. These early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for Native American culture, spirituality, and the profound connection to land and community that characterizes indigenous peoples.

"The faces in these historical photographs tell such powerful stories," Grant explains. "They're weathered by time and experience, and there's something deeply moving about bringing that humanity forward through art."

The artist's process involves careful study of historical photographs, particularly those of Sitting Bull, who was among the most photographed Native Americans of his era. Grant then applies his own interpretation through vibrant colors and enhanced lighting, creating works that feel both historically grounded and strikingly contemporary.

Sitting Bull, who died in 1890, remains one of the most respected figures in Native American history. Known for his prophetic dreams and strategic leadership, he played a crucial role in the Battle of Little Bighorn and later performed in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Grant's portraits capture both the spiritual depth and fierce determination that made Sitting Bull such an influential leader.

"There's a beauty to the way Native Americans perceive life, land, and community," Grant reflects. "Through these portraits, I hope to honor that legacy and perhaps inspire others to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that indigenous peoples have contributed to America."

The exhibition marks Grant's continued exploration of historical portraiture, with plans for future series featuring other significant Native American leaders, including Red Cloud. Grant's previous Native American portraits have been highly sought after by collectors, with the artist noting that every piece in this genre has found a permanent home.

About Matthew Grant is a contemporary portrait artist specializing in historical subjects. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Grant now works full-time from his studio in Utah. He recalls spending countless hours drawing superheroes and athletes. His professional artistic journey has included sketching, painting, pastels, photography, oils, and acrylics. Originally focusing on portraiture, he was accepted to The Academy of Art in San Francisco and has an MFA with an emphasis in Figure Painting. Matthew paints in acrylic and oils, using several methods to achieve the realistic aesthetic he’s known for. While focusing on the stylized details in nature abstractly, he is still able to maintain a vivid, photorealistic look. Matthew’s goal is to capture and bring to life the images that interest him.