About the Artist + Exhibit

Hiawatha D. has been a well-known and revered artist for decades. His work brings a brilliant vibrancy to the covers of books and numerous collectibles, with his signature abstract cubism and surrealism style, identifiable throughout his extensive body of work. Inspired by Black people transcending historical, societal, racial, and economic challenges in America, Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman is Hiawatha D.’s homage to the resilience, power, and beauty of Black women history-makers.

Hiawatha D. is a graduate of the Burnley School of Professional Art. Using various mediums to interpret the energy observed in African American people throughout his travels, Hiawatha uses acrylic paint, pencil, and watercolor, on cotton rag or canvas. On occasion, he also creates on ceramic bisque and wood panels. His visual artist inspirations include Salvador Dali, Jacob Lawrence, William H. Johnson, Pablo Picasso, and Henry O. Tanner, among others.

Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman art exhibition was featured at Northwest African American Museum October 2019 - March 2020. Through a series of interactive events and activations that took place December through February, hundreds of community members engaged with the Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I A Woman exhibit.

Hiawatha’s collection garnered the attention of notable press outlets, including Forbes, The Seattle Times, KOMO News, and more.

The entire NAAM team is grateful to have worked with Hiawatha and Veronica to present this inspiring collection to our community.