Dante Biss-Grayson
Taos, New Meixco
Digital Spirit Dancers | 2024 Paseo Project Artist in Residence
The Paseo Project is excited to work again with local artist Dante Biss-Grayson for a one-month residency utilizing holographic technology to engage the Taos community. Biss-Grayson, a New Mexico-based member of the Osage Nation, will continue in the creation of his immersive installations titled "Digital Spirit Dancers: Inter-Tribal Holographic Installation." This innovative work visually conveys the connections between physical and spiritual realms through traditional Native dances.
As an artist, Biss-Grayson explores new directions and pushes the boundaries of traditional Native American art and fashion. His work is a fusion of classical techniques and contemporary vision, which results in creations that transcend mediums such as painting, holographic sculpture, poetry, and fashion design. Biss-Grayson states: “My art is deeply personal and often serves as a way for me to externalize my trauma and bring attention to important issues impacting Native communities. Through my work, I aim to promote empathy, understanding, and positive change.”
This residency has been chosen by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award. This grant will support Digital Spirit Dancers and the production and development of new works based here in Taos, New Mexico. Through this grant, Biss-Grayson is able to secure a life-size device, with the ability to premiere an 8’ tall holographic image during PASEO 2024.
For four weeks Biss-Grayson will direct and produce videos featuring dancers from regional Northern New Mexico Pueblos in traditional regalia. As they dance, their images will become abstract, representing the spiritual connection created through movement. This will be added to the growing series of "Digital Pow-Wow" with diverse tribal representations. Biss-Grayson will capture Pueblo dancers and finalize choreography and music for the production. For this exciting four week project, the Paseo Project Youth Interns will serve as apprentices, from beta testing to final presentation. This unique, and paid, opportunity, exposes our local youth to new career paths, digital technologies, and inspiring artistic productions.
The following programs and events with Dante Biss-Grayson are planned:
Throughout the month of September | Paseo Project Youth Intern Apprenticeship
This summer's cohort will join Biss-Greyson in the production and execution of his project. This opportunity builds pathways to careers with a paid position and workshops with the artists exploring production and technical arts training. Learn more about the internship program here: https://paseoproject.org/internship-program
Friday, September 13, 1am - 4pm | Harwood Museum
For one day only, artist Dante Biss-Grayson will be ‘setting up shop’ in the Arthur Bell Auditorium at the Harwood Museum of Art. Stop by and check out art in the making! Biss-Grayson has invited a number of dancers from regional Northern New Mexico Pueblos in their traditional regalia to join him for a day of digital capture in support of his ongoing project, "Digital Spirit Dancers: Inter-Tribal Holographic Installation." The Paseo Project is excited to partner with the Harwood Museum of Art, 238 Ledoux St, Taos, in hosting Biss-Grayson. The museum will be open from 11-5pm with half priced admission. Learn more: https://harwoodmuseum.org/
Saturday, September 14, 11am - 1pm | Twirl's Saturday Art Studio
The community is welcome to join Biss-Greyson at Twirl’s In the Studio, held at: 225 Cam De La Placita. Let your imagination soar! Twirl will host The Paseo Artist in Residence, Dante Biss-Greyson, in their beautiful courtyard. Children of all ages are invited to roll up their sleeves and join Biss-Greyson in exploring concepts and visualizations from the Digital Spirit Dancers project. An all ages, family friendly event. FREE. Learn more: https://www.twirltaos.org/
Thursday, October 3 | STEAM DAY at PASEO 2024 in Kit Carson Park
The PASEO STEAM Day event brings together students from different Taos County schools, ranging in age from 12 to 24 years old and features workshops and presentations by PASEO 2024 artists located in Kit Carson Park, the PASEO 2024 location. Biss-Grayson will share key concepts and creativity of the artwork prior to the event.
Friday & Saturday, October 4 & 5, dusk to 9pm | The PASEO 2024 in Kit Carson Park
Join us for the culminating presentation and grand reveal of the large scale “Digital Spirit Dancers: Inter-Tribal Holographic Installation.” Featured alongside the Silent Disco, this free, much loved community event will cap off both Friday and Saturday nights at PASEO 2024. Learn more: https://paseoproject.org/paseo2024
Residency Sponsors
Artist Statement:
As an artist, I am constantly exploring new directions and pushing the boundaries of traditional Native American art and fashion. My work is a fusion of classical techniques and contemporary vision, which results in pieces that transcend mediums such as painting, holographic sculpture, poetry, and fashion design.
My art is deeply personal and often serves as a way for me to externalize my trauma and bring attention to important issues impacting Native communities. Through my work, I aim to promote empathy, understanding, and positive change.
I draw inspiration from my background as a Native American veteran and artist, as well as my experiences studying at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Holland and IAIA in Santa Fe, N.M, and as the apprentice of Earl Biss, my adopted father. My work is a reflection of the diversity of my experiences and is driven by a desire to create impactful narratives.
I believe that art has the power to connect people and promote healing. By incorporating my classical techniques and contemporary vision, I strive to create pieces that challenge the viewer's perceptions and promote dialogue. My goal as an artist is to elevate underrepresented voices and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive art world.