The second annual Sovereign Santa Fe art exhibition will be in full swing this August, through the efforts of FarahNheight Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The show, curated by artist Tony Abeyta (Navajo) and collaboration between gallery owner Gregory Farah and artist Randy L. Barton (Diné), has culminated in a collection that highlights the unique genre of contemporary Native American art. 
Exterior of La Fonda Hotel.
Sovereign is quite special and thrilling, as many up and coming and mid-career Native artists delve into the relationship between traditional and contemporary Native art. There’s been a battle to represent the Native voice more in the art world, as well as some push-back from the Native community that wishes to protect sacred imagery.
The mission for the show is to create a platform for younger Native artists to not feel constrained to traditional forms, but at the same time allow them to show their pride towards their elders and tribe.
Jay Smiley (Diné), Nice Dream, acrylic and mixed media, 36 x 36”
There are additional battles, as described by Farah, “The reason I got into this genre, is that it’s an exciting, two-fold endeavor. I want to promote the contemporary art as its own entity and have the work also stand alone, whether it’s by a Native artist or not. At the end of the day, the legacy I want to leave is having a small part in having contemporary Native art stand up against other modern American art genres.”
Participating artists such as Sheldon Harvey (Diné), George Alexander (Muscogee Creek) and April Holder (Sac/Fox), push the boundaries with their cutting edge, Indigenous creativity. Viewers can expect styles in street art and celebrations of hip-hop, showcasing bold color and shape, along with fresh concepts.
Suann Davin (Taos), Pueblo Dragons, acrylic and carving on canvas, 20 x 30”
Up and coming artist Raven Arbuckle (Ojibwe/Choctaw), has sparked a lot of anticipation, such as in her show piece Desert Dreaming. The work is “gothic and mythical, and I think she’s just incredible,” says Farah.
While organized through FarahNheight Gallery, this eclectic collection will be on view at the La Fonda on the Plaza in their La Terraza Ballroom, from August 10 through August 16. In addition, a portion of sales will go to various foundations supporting and promoting Native American rights and culture. There will be a website build for Sovereign, on view the first week of August, where three pieces from each artist will be displayed. The sale of at least one piece from each artist will be pure donation.
Additional information can be found through social media for the exhibition on Facebook and Instagram, prior to their website build.
August 10-16, 2020
Sovereign Santa Fe
La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E. San Francisco Street,
Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 982-5511
www.lafondasantafe.com
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