Allan Haozous, a prominent Chiricahua Apache artist, left an indelible mark on the world of art through his distinctive sculptures, paintings, and book illustrations. Born in 1914 in Oklahoma, Haozous’ journey as an artist was a testament to the fusion of his Native American heritage with the influences of modernist sculptors like Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi. His works now grace major museums and public spaces worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Portrait Gallery, and the United Nations Headquarters. This article delves into the net worth, career, and personal life of Allan Haozous, shedding light on the legacy of this celebrated artist.
Allan Haozous Net Worth
Allan Haozous’ success as an artist was not only marked by critical acclaim but also financial prosperity. He sold numerous works to private collectors and public institutions, contributing to his substantial net worth. While estimates suggest his net worth at the time of his passing in 1994 was around $1,500,000, it may not capture the true value of his artistic output. In recent years, some of Haozous’ works have fetched significantly higher prices in the art market. For example, in 2012, his bronze sculpture “Sacred Rain Arrow” sold for a remarkable $5.6 million at Sotheby’s, setting a record for a Native American artist. Similarly, his painting “Apache Fire Dance” was sold for $1.9 million at Christie’s in 2014, once again breaking a record for a Native American painting. Therefore, it is plausible that Haozous’ net worth today far surpasses the 1994 estimate, affirming his enduring influence in the art world.
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Life and Career
Allan Haozous, born on June 30, 1914, near Apache and Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was a member of the Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache tribe. His lineage bore a significant connection to the renowned Apache leader Geronimo, his grandfather, who had fought against the US Army in the late 19th century. Haozous’ father, Sam, served as Geronimo’s translator and later became a farmer, while his mother, Blossom, was an adept beadworker and basket maker. Raised with a deep sense of Apache culture and identity, Haozous channeled his heritage into his artistry.
Haozous exhibited an early talent for drawing and painting, prompting him to embark on his artistic journey. In 1934, he left Oklahoma to study at the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico under the guidance of teacher Dorothy Dunn. While Dunn encouraged students to employ a stylized and flat approach to represent Native American themes and symbols, Haozous quickly felt the need to explore alternative styles and techniques. He began experimenting with sculpture, crafting his first wooden pieces in 1940.
Haozous’ professional career commenced in 1939 when he exhibited his work at the New York World’s Fair and the Golden Gate International Exposition. He received his first public commission to paint murals at the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C. in the same year. In 1940, he married Anna Maria Gallegos, a Santa Fe native, and together, they had seven children. During World War II, Haozous relocated his family to Los Angeles, where he worked in shipyards while nurturing his passion for painting and sculpture. It was in Los Angeles that he encountered the works of modernist sculptors like Jean Arp, Constantin Brancusi, and Henry Moore, who profoundly inspired him to create abstract and organic forms in his sculptures while still embracing elements of his Apache heritage.
Upon the war’s conclusion, Haozous returned to Santa Fe and became an influential teacher at the Institute of American Indian Arts, where he mentored many emerging Native American artists. Throughout his career, he garnered numerous accolades and honors, including the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1949, the Palmes Académiques from France in 1954, and the National Medal of Arts from President George H. W. Bush in 1992. He left behind a vast body of work that spanned various materials and sizes, encompassing small bronze figures to monumental stone installations. Some of his most iconic pieces include “Offering of the Sacred Pipe,” “Singing Heart,” “Comrade in Mourning,” and “Abstract Crown Dancer.” In addition to his sculptures and paintings, Haozous illustrated several books, including “The Flaming Arrow” by Robert M. McClung and “Apache Devil” by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Allan Haozous passed away on August 22, 1994, at the age of 80, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In honor of his legacy and to support Native American art and education, Haozous’ family and friends established the Allan Houser Foundation.
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Personal Life
Allan Haozous’ personal life was deeply intertwined with his family and heritage. His wife, Anna Maria Gallegos, played a crucial role in supporting his artistic endeavors and helping manage his business and administrative affairs. The couple’s marriage resulted in the birth of seven children: David, Phillip, Bob, Sam, Charles, Jeff, and Barbara. Anna Maria remained a steadfast and nurturing partner to Haozous throughout their life together. Tragically, she passed away in 1995, just a year after Haozous’ death.
Summary
Allan Haozous, a prominent Chiricahua Apache artist, was born in 1914 in Oklahoma, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art. He successfully blended his Native American heritage with the influences of modernist sculptors like Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi. His works now grace major museums and public spaces worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Portrait Gallery, and the United Nations Headquarters. Haozous’ net worth was estimated at around $1,500,000 at the time of his death in 1994, though the true value of his artistry likely surpasses this figure. His life and career were marked by a deep connection to his Apache culture and a dedication to his craft. Haozous left a lasting legacy in the world of art, inspiring many through his unique blend of traditional and modern influences.