Through July 26, 2020 | Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art | Indianapolis, IN

Igniting the Senses

Michael Naranjo’s new exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum is accessible, versatile and spans the artist’s five-decade career.

In 1992 the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis became the first to present an art exhibition where visitors could reach out and touch the works. The show was for Santa Clara sculptor Michael Naranjo, who lost his vision and the use of his right hand during combat in 1968 in the Vietnam War. During his convalescence, Naranjo, who always had an interest in art, began to sculpt.Eagle and Fish, 1977, bronze, ed. of 12, 5½ x 36 x 12". Loan courtesy TIA Collection.

Michael Naranjo in his studio. Courtesy Laurie Naranjo.

“So much of it came from trial and error of my own and using live models,” explains the artist, who says anything goes in terms of subject matter—fantasy to wildlife to Native dancers. He adds that a lot of his inspiration comes from memories of what he saw during his youth, what he has read in books and what he has spoken to people about. “Very few things are influenced by what I touch,” he shares, “especially the animals, because you can’t go up and touch them. For years I was hunting and fishing with my brother, so I have a fair knowledge of the anatomy of animals from cleaning and dressing and carrying them.”Summer Hawk, 1978, bronze, ed. of 10,24 x 15 x 15". Loancourtesy TIA Collection.

Through July 26, the Eiteljorg is welcoming visitors to touch Naranjo’s sculptures once again in the show Please Touch! The Sculptures of Michael Naranjo, which displays approximately 30 works from throughout the artist’s 50-year career. Being able to physically touch the works makes it accessible to everyone, including the blind and visually impaired. There also will be Braille labels and audio descriptions accompanying the artwork.

Many of the pieces in the show are on loan from the TIA Collection, including Summer Hawk, a work the artist made in 1978. The piece captures a moment in time where the dancer, with hoops surrounding him, seems to be in mid-movement. This idea of movement is one felt throughout all of the artists’ pieces, such as Eagle and Fish and Freedom, where the birds are filled with action.

Naranjo says, “The works are fluid and everything moves. The eagles are very graceful in flight and the human forms are gentle as well. They’re not extreme movements; they’re fluid movements.”Tranquility, 1987, bronze, ed. of 7, 23". Loan courtesy TIA Collection.

Freedom, 2005, bronze, ed. of 10, 12½ x 11 x 7". Loan courtesy Michael and Laurie Naranjo.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to share Michael Naranjo’s beautiful sculptures and personal story with a new generation, and provide increased accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors,” says Elisa Phelps, Eiteljorg vice president and chief curatorial officer. “The exhibit has been a catalyst in shifting our thinking about accessibility and visitor experinces, and will inform our approach to future exhibits.”

Through July 26, 2020
Please Touch!
The Sculptures of Michael Naranjo
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
500 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 636-9378, www.eiteljorg.org