Kira Hayen

Kira Hayen is enrolled in the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and is of various indigenous and settler descent.
As an artist and writer, her work is largely inspired by the political and personal intersections of her identity.
As a painter, Kira has shown in exhibitions such as the Contemporary Caddo Art Exhibition in 2021, Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes in the original show in 2016 and then again in the touring version from 2019-2024, and Harmony of Duality: A Two-Spirit Journey in 2024. Kira has also shown work in OVAC’s Momentum in 2024 as well as 2025.
As a writer, Kira received an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Kira Hayen currently resides in Oklahoma City.

Not Cousins

Medium: Acrylic Painting

"Not Cousins" is an acrylic painting depicting two women in regalia sitting together on an arbor at a ceremonial event. The textural richness of the cloth, metal, and feathers of the regalia pieces and jewelry is indicative of my personal affection for my culture, as well as an indicator to the viewer about the cultural and spiritual importance of the regalia itself.
The work depicts a deeply intimate moment, perhaps witnessed as an unintentional glance across the arena. The woman in the foreground guards her face with her fan, which directs the viewer away from the vibrant colors and lines of the regalia to the women and their faces. The fan directs the eye to how close the women must be sitting, their faces almost touching, the hints of their mouths close enough to impart a kiss or a whisper. The women hold unbroken eye contact, their attention trained away from the ceremonial dances underway. The title of the piece itself is a cheeky reference to this apparent intimacy-- they could be two relatives gossiping on a bench, but they are not.
Anyone from any culture has experienced or witnessed an intimate moment such as this one, when the world narrows down to the connection between two people. However, the challenge of this piece is that it firmly insists on the humanity of such a moment taking place between two two-spirit people at an indigenous ceremonial event. Furthermore, the moment is warmly pedestrian-- the two-spirit couple is not depicted as out of place in a sacred ceremonial space, but rather as ordinary as any other couple one could glance at from across the arena.

Pickup at Red Earth Art Gallery, 100 N Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
Interested in having this item shipped? We can arrange packing and shipping for an additional cost. Please call 405-427-5228 or email info@redearth.org before purchase.