Kaplan Bunce

Kaplan Bunce, also known as Kapache1, is a Native American artist renowned for his innovative exploration of cultural identity, spirituality, and indigenous traditions. Born and raised in Washington State, Kaplan is of Apache heritage with ties to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has resided on the island of Kauaʻi for the last 18 years, where he has become deeply connected to Hawaiian culture, finding parallels between its traditions and those of mainland indigenous tribes.

Kaplan is a multifaceted artist whose work spans murals, woodwork, and collaborative installations. His art often serves as a visual representation of prayer and sacredness, reflecting his engagement with the Native American Church and indigenous spirituality. His creative journey began as a carpenter, repurposing scrap wood into native figures and picture frames. Over time, his practice evolved into more expansive mediums while maintaining themes of ritual, positivity, and cultural reclamation.

Artistic Contributions

• Mural Art: Kaplan is a veteran participant in the World Wide Walls mural festival (formerly Pow! Wow!), where he has gained recognition for his large-scale public artworks. He also took on a leading role as an organizer during the first-ever Spectra Fest on Kauaʻi. His murals often address themes of cultural unity and intergenerational healing.
• Museum & Festival Recognition: Kaplan’s work is part of the STRAAT Museum permanent collection in Amsterdam, a globally recognized street art museum. Additionally, he has painted murals in Miami for a Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit and the Wynwood Mural Festival, further cementing his place in the international street art scene.
• Collaborative Projects: As part of the Kauaʻi-based artist duo KASA (Kapache1 and Samve7), Kaplan has created significant works such as the mural at Common Ground Kauaʻi. This piece symbolizes modern Hawaiʻi’s multicultural identity while serving as a “reckoning mechanism for generational hardships and resilience.”
• KRNT Studios & THE INDIGEVERAL COLLECTIVE: In Kauaʻi, Kaplan founded KRNT Studios, an artist residency program designed to give artists the time and space to cleanse their creative palette and dive deep into honing their creative practices. This project became the launching pad for THE INDIGEVERAL COLLECTIVE, a movement dedicated to uplifting indigenous voices through art and cultural exchange.

Personal Life and Philosophy
Kaplan is a father of three daughters and an active participant in powwows, where he instills in his children the importance of their tribal identities. His art is deeply influenced by his spiritual practices and ceremonies, which he credits with transforming his outlook on life. He describes his mission as keeping “one foot in tradition” while moving forward to support self-actualization and the evolution of indigenous art.

Vision
Kaplan Bunce’s work is a testament to the power of art as a universal language that bridges cultural divides. Through his murals, installations, and community initiatives, he strives to uplift as many humans as possible with his work, fostering connection, healing, and cultural understanding.