When

6:30 – 7:30 p.m., March 5, 2025

Where

This is a Zoom presentation. Register here.

For more information click on this link: https://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/events/were-still-here

FREE

Bobby Stills makes contemporary artworks that reflect his identity as an urban Indigenous artist with roots in his Texas Lipan Apache culture and life in Los Angeles. A lover of action figures, he creates in the manner of kitbashing, by using vintage action figure heads and customizing every detail. He styles the action figures in modern apparel influenced by LA streetwear rather than in traditional Native regalia. Their clothing, which almost always includes a signature cuffed pant leg and essential, exclusive sneakers, reflects his experience living the LA lifestyle while depicting Native people in modern daily life. The action figures assert the message, “We are still here.” Bobby’s knowledge of style as creative expression has been highlighted in interviews for the LA Times and KROQ radio, and he has been featured on the Spike TV series, Auction Hunters, as a certified “Sneaker Expert.” He has also served on the Oahu Intertribal Council.

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This talk is presented in conjunction with ASM’s pop-up exhibit, Traditions in Motion, which will be on display at the Tucson Festival of Books ( March 14 and 15). Come meet Bobby Stills and see his work in person in the exhibit tent. Traditions in Motion is sponsored by:

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

**Bobby Araujo**
*Lipan Apache Artist and Collector*

Bobby Araujo, a Lipan Apache artist, draws upon a deep personal connection to both his cultural heritage and modern urban life. His early passion for action figures revealed a gap in the market—he could not find collectibles that truly represented his identity. In response to this challenge, Araujo harnessed his creativity, beginning to craft custom action figures that reflect his unique perspective and cultural background.

Employing vintage figure heads and engaging in the practice of “kitbashing”—a method of creating personalized figures by combining raw materials and existing parts—Araujo meticulously customizes every detail of his creations, imbuing them with vibrant life and energy. His work transcends traditional boundaries, blending influences from his experiences in Los Angeles, where streetwear and urban fashion shaped his artistic vision. Rather than dressing his figures in traditional regalia, Araujo outfits them in custom-made apparel inspired by the fashion of LA street culture. This combination of Apache heritage and contemporary street style communicates a powerful message: “We are still here.”

Araujo’s artwork embodies the intersection of his Texas roots and Apache heritage with his experiences living in Los Angeles. His creations often feature signature details—such as cuffed pant legs and exclusive sneakers—that distinguish his figures, merging traditional culture with modern influences. This distinct style challenges prevailing stereotypes, offering a contemporary representation of Native peoples and their ongoing presence and resilience in modern society.

Beyond his artistic practice, Araujo is a member of the Oahu Intertribal Council, where he advocates for Native communities. His expertise in fashion and style has garnered attention in various media outlets, including an appearance on the Spike TV series *Auction Hunters* as a certified Sneaker Expert. Araujo’s knowledge of creative expression through style has also led to interviews with notable platforms such as *LA Times* and KROQ radio, where he discusses the intersections of fashion, culture, and Native identity in contemporary life.

Through his work, Bobby Araujo offers a significant contribution to the representation of Native culture in the arts, redefining traditional narratives by blending heritage with the vibrancy of modern life. His art serves as a testament to the power of self-expression, cultural pride, and the importance of representation.

I will be posting his upcoming virtual event if you are interesting to learn more about him!

Best Regards,
Monica Tobon-Ramirez, MPA