Bio

Derek Santos is a multidisciplinary artist from the Oglala Lakota Nation, currently residing on the Pine Ridge Reservation. His artistic journey is rich and diverse, rooted in various forms of expression, including graffiti, tattooing, sculpture, and traditional art mediums. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) focusing on Sculpture and Art History, he possesses a solid educational foundation that informs his creative practice.

In addition to his work as an artist, Derek is also an art teacher on his reservation, actively engaged in creating sculptures and murals both within his community and beyond. His commitment to art education reflects his dedication to empowering the youth on the reservation, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation among the next generation.