In response to current health restrictions, King Galleries is hosting a virtual event titled Bigger, Better, Online and Virtual. In past years, the gallery had a two-day event for their many talented Pueblo potters, and kicked off right before the Santa Fe Indian Market. In an effort to stay motivated and positive, King Galleries has extended the event to one week from August 11 to August 18, displaying traditional and contemporary work from artists such as Les Namingha, Jeremey Frey, Robert Patricio, Russell Sanchez, Tammy Garcia and Jennifer Tafoya.
Left: Juan de la Cruz (Santa Clara), Native clay, Right: Les Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/Zuni), acrylic on Native clay
“I’m excited that this year we are including more artists and expanding our shows from two days to seven during our Native art week at the gallery,” says gallery owner Charles King. “Some great younger artists will be showing with us for the first time, as well as some of the great names in Pueblo art. Artists may or may not be present, but video and live streaming of various events will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the art and artists.”
Rainy Naha (Hopi-Tewa), Native clay
Viewers will see work from artists like Juan de la Cruz (Santa Clara), who will have approximately six pieces to display. He explores themes in mythology and is combining new ideas in his work. “A design concept that is fresh for me is layering and intermingling geometric elements with the human figures,” says the artist. “Up until now, I’ve largely kept the human figures neatly framed within a panel created by the geometric designs. However, out of experimentation and a sense of ‘let’s see if this’ll work,’ I’ve been interweaving these two main components of the design process. I hope this more dynamic interplay will resonate well with people.”
For participating potter Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/Zuni), color is the most important element. “There is an unlimited number of ways in which color can be used to express ideas and emotions,” Namingha explains. “But it also requires discipline and knowledge to use it effectively. Color is one area that I continue to try to master and is undoubtably a lifelong pursuit. Acrylic paint, with its wide variety of color choice, is my base for exploring style and technique.”
Left and right: Jennifer Tafoya (Santa Clara), Native clay, Middle: Christopher Youngblood (Santa Clara), Native clay
While color remains a staple for Namingha, his themes have gone through an exploratory process. For the past several years, he’s worked with themes surrounding layering. “The message is that layering is an integral part of our existence,” says Namingha. “Our thoughts and memories become layered over time. I utilize this idea by layering Pueblo pottery motifs and elements of modern designs to represent that concept. As a result, the work becomes a tapestry of interconnecting forms and color. My recent work expands upon this idea by incorporating heavy texture, collage, text and erasing.”
Various events will ensue during the course of the week of the virtual show. Each day will have a separate theme and artists pertaining to that theme will be giving interviews and interacting with the artwork. “We are creating our events to encourage the artists to continue to make exceptional work and connect them with their collectors,” says King, “but we also want to create a safe environment for interactions and meet health requirements.”
Visit www.kinggalleries.com for additional details.
King Galleries
August 11-18, 2020
130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 481-0187, www.kinggalleries.com
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