About

Julian Centofante is a painter based in Los Angeles whose work centers on Native American and Western themes. He studied Two-Dimensional Studies at the University of Southern California’s Roski School of Art and Design, though his artistic development has primarily been self-taught. 

 Julian’s interest in the American West and Native American art emerged early and became a central focus of his work. This passion is rooted in his family heritage. His grandfather was from the White Earth Chippewa Reservation in Minnesota and carried a strong sense of pride in his Chippewa lineage. That pride was passed down and became a powerful influence in Julian’s life and artistic voice. It fostered a connection to Native American history that now drives his expression of symbolic and cultural iconography in his work. On his grandmother’s side, Julian also traces lineage back to 1800s Santa Fe, New Mexico, where his ancestors were prominent figures in the local community. This rich familial history has further shaped his appreciation for the culture of the American West and continues to inspire his engagement with Western art traditions.

 Julian’s paintings aim to merge elements from different historical periods, reworking their scale and perspective. By combining Native American and Western influences with contemporary expression, he offers a unique perspective on the American West that both honors its roots and reimagines its narrative.