SIYOWIN PETERS
ART TALK
ARTIST STATEMENT
"In my recent works, I merge guerrilla-style street art with a powerful commitment to raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (M.M.I.W.) and amplifying the voices of Indigenous women. Drawing from the sacred teachings of the Medicine Wheel, I use the four medicine colors—red, white, yellow, and black—each representing an essential aspect of life: red for the physical body and vitality, white for wisdom and clarity, yellow for emotional healing and growth, and black for transformation and introspection. These colors symbolize the balance and interconnectedness of all life, reflecting the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical elements that define Indigenous existence.
Through spray paint, acrylics, and mixed media, I channel my emotions directly into each piece, striving to infuse my personal experiences and feelings into the work. When people view these pieces, I want them to feel me—my pain, my hope, my strength. My art is not just an expression; it is an invitation to connect, reflect, and be moved. By combining urban street art with the sacred teachings of my heritage, I aim to inspire change, uplift female voices, and honor the lives of those lost to violence, while leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who witness it."
[ Siyowin Peters by one of her public installations ]
BIO
Lauren “Siyowin” Peters is a Dakota Sioux Native American and Mexican contemporary artist, model, and social activist, whose work spans fine art, street art, and mixed media. Focused on raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (M.M.I.W.) and advocating for Indigenous rights, Siyowin blends historical memory with contemporary activism. Drawing from her cultural heritage and the legacy of her grandfather, Ernie “Long Walker” Peters, a key figure in the American Indian Movement, her art honors the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, especially women.
Siyowin’s work has been featured in exhibitions at the Autry Museum of the American West, where she is part of a prominent ongoing exhibit, and she will showcase her art through the Known Gallery World Wide traveling tour. In 2026, she will have a special exhibition at Poster House in New York City. A graduate in Social Work, she combines her artistic practice with a commitment to social justice. Siyowin is also represented by Wilhelmina Models in New York and Nomad Management in Los Angeles. Through her art, she strives to amplify Native voices and inspire meaningful societal change.
[ Siyowin Peters ]