Sean Levon Nash

Artist, Academic, Writer, Comedian

San Franciso Bay Area

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CCA Faculty

Assistant Professor, Critical Ethnic Studies Program

Fall 2024 Class

Bio

Sean Levon Nash, an artist with over 25 years of experience, has made a significant mark in San Francisco's art scene, particularly in the Mission district where he resides. Born in Oakland and of mixed Indian heritage, Sean studied art and history at UC Davis before obtaining his MFA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work, a vibrant fusion of pre-Columbian Indigenous themes and modern pop art, delves into themes of memory and narrative. Sean's skills span multiple disciplines, including painting, printmaking, writing, and animation, and his art has been showcased across the West Coast and at international venues. As an educator, he teaches at the California College of the Arts. Additionally, Sean contributes to the local art community as the curator of The Spot at Stonestown Galleria and as the chair of the San Francisco Street Art Advisory Committee.

Aztec

Sean Levon Nash's Aztec-themed artwork uses restrained color, reflecting the linguistic pictography of ancient codices that survived the mass destruction of indigenous libraries. His paintings aim to resurrect and celebrate these historical texts, promoting their continued relevance and value in contemporary times.

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Mayan

Sean Levon Nash's Mayan-inspired artwork draws from surviving texts and sculptures, highlighting the cyclical and rounded nature of Native narratives and forms. His work emphasizes the convergence of past and future in the present, capturing a powerful point of balance.

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Northwest

Sean Levon Nash focuses on preserving the heritage of northwest coast clans by representing traditional totems and endangered species in his art. He also paints cultural figures and musicians to keep their legacies alive and combat cultural erasure.

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Southwest

Sean Levon Nash paints southwestern designs from pottery, much of which was destroyed by invading cultures. Through his art, he pieces together these lost narratives to honor his ancestors and empower future generations, maintaining a balance between past and present.

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Portraits

Sean Levon Nash collaborates with other artists on portraits that emphasize the significance of cultural figures rather than their exact appearance, particularly focusing on mixed heritage individuals and subtly Native artists, to convey their enduring impact to future generations.

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Wall Murals

San Franciso Bay Area

Commission a Piece

Sacred Land

November 2019

Clarion Alley at Valencia in San Francisco, CA

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Native Warrior & Bunny

August 2020

2100 Boradway Ave, Oakland, CA

See More Oakland Murals