Jerome Tiger

A Star Rises in Oklahoma

Born Jerome Richard Tiger on July 8, 1941, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, this extraordinary artist hailed from deep roots. He was a full-blood citizen of the Muscogee Nation, also of Seminole descent—a heritage that would profoundly shape his artistic spirit and subject matter.

An Unconventional Path

Life for young Jerome was anything but straightforward. He attended public schools in Eufaula and Muskogee, Oklahoma, but English was not his first language, reflecting his strong cultural ties. At just 16, he dropped out of high school, embarking on a path that seemed far from the art world.

His early adulthood saw him serve in the United States Naval Reserve from 1958 to 1960. Afterwards, he took on various tough jobs—working as a laborer, and even a prize fighter—before briefly studying at the Cleveland Engineering Institute. He later married Peggy Richmond and together they had three children.

The Discovery of Genius

Then, in 1962, a pivotal moment arrived. A friend encouraged Tiger to submit his paintings to the prestigious American Indian Artists Annual at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This decision would change everything, launching him onto the national stage.

From that point, Tiger's artistic output exploded. He began to produce a prolific number of paintings, quickly gaining recognition and accumulating numerous awards. By 1966, the Philbrook Museum of Art — the very place that first recognized his talent — honored him with a solo exhibition, a testament to his rapid ascent.

A Visionary Style

Tiger’s unique style was described as a powerful blend of 'spiritual vision, humane understanding, and technical virtuosity.' He possessed an uncanny ability to capture the essence of an object or person with just a glance, a skill that earned him comparisons to old masters like Rembrandt and Francisco Goya.

His work celebrated traditional Native American subject matter and composition, but infused with an emotional depth and realism that transcended cultural boundaries. He explored a wide range of media, from the richness of oil and watercolor to the precision of tempera, casein, pencil, and pen and ink.

A Tragic End

Jerome Tiger’s brilliant career, however, was destined to be tragically brief. In the early hours of August 13, 1967, after a night spent with friends, a devastating accident occurred. A bullet accidentally discharged from his .22-caliber handgun, killing him instantly.

He was just 26 years old—a vibrant artist in his prime, with a profound impact already made and so much more surely to come. His untimely death left a void in the art world and a profound sense of loss for those who knew his work.

An Enduring Legacy

Despite his short life, Jerome Tiger left behind an immense artistic legacy, having produced hundreds of paintings in just five years. His works are proudly displayed in prestigious institutions across the United States, cementing his place in art history.

His art can be found in the collections of many renowned museums, ensuring his unique vision continues to inspire audiences for generations to come.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Philbrook Museum of Art Gilcrease Museum OSU Museum of Art Five Civilized Tribes Museum Woolaroc Museum Museum of New Mexico Museum of the American Indian

The artistic spirit of Jerome Tiger also lives on through his family. His brother, Johnny Tiger Jr., and his daughter, Dana Tiger, have both become successful artists in their own right, carrying forward his creative lineage. His other daughter, Lisa Tiger, became a prominent AIDS educator and motivational speaker.

Even beyond his immediate family, many of Tiger's relatives, like Edmond Joshua Jr. and Lee Roy Joshua, were also accomplished painters and sculptors. The Tiger family name, synonymous with artistic talent, continues to contribute significantly to Native American art and beyond.