The Indigenous Art Style Most People Can’t Name.

The Indigenous Art Style Most People Can’t Name.

Formline is one of the most advanced and structured art styles in the world—but most people don’t even know its name. Created by the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast—including Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian—Formline art uses three key shapes: ovoid, U-form, and S-form to build powerful visual stories. Every shape has meaning. Every line is intentional.

In this short video, I’ll explain the basics of Formline and why it’s so important in Alaska Native, Native American, and First Nations cultures today. Whether you’re Native or non-Native, here’s a challenge: can you spot the hidden story in this design?

Featuring:
• Alaska Native, Native American, and First Nations art traditions
• Formline design: ovoid, U-form, S-form
• Cultural meaning behind Indigenous Northwest Coast art

Subscribe for more: Deep dives into Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling.
@NickAlanArt

#FormlineArt #NativeAmericanArt #AlaskaNativeArt #FirstNationsArt #IndigenousArt #TlingitArt #NorthwestCoastArt #NativeDesign #CulturalStorytelling #ArtExplained