Sovereign Santa Fe is aiming to open up the conversation and definition of contemporary Native American art. A collaboration between Farahnheight Fine Art Gallery’s director Gregory Farah; his friend and mentor, prominent Navajo artist and guest curator Tony Abeyta; and Jenny Kimball, chairman of the board at La Fonda on the Plaza, Sovereign Santa Fe is specifically focused on promoting and providing a platform for Native American artists who are making groundbreaking contributions to contemporary Indigenous art.
Danielle SeeWalker (Lakota), Wayáka, mixed media canvas, 36 x 36"
“We want to provide a slice of—and a little perspective on—what is happening in the new vanguard of Native American contemporary art—those who are changing the conversation, the vernacular of what that looks like,” says Farah.
Jessie Raine Littlebird (Laguna & Kewa Pueblos), Buffalo Breezy Blast, house paint, aerosol and oil stick on reclaimed door panel, 30 x 68"
Now in its fourth year, Farah and his fellow organizers are putting an increased emphasis on abstract, modern, nonfigurative painting, mixed media and sculpture that Farah says “is Native in theme but to the naked eye will look avant-garde.” They are also going bigger in terms of scale with some canvases exceeding 6 feet in size. They are also adding a full-fledged, ticketed fashion show featuring Native American designers on both Friday and Saturday night.
Billy Hensley (Chickasaw), Tushka, acrylic and neon on B47 ejection seat, modified with buffalo seat and headrest, 50 x 24 x 36"
Farah explains that, historically, Indigenous art from around the world was created for a purpose—typically for use in daily life or the ceremonial. “Contemporary Native American art has ancestral legacy and, while today’s artists are motivated by the traditions of their elders, they are putting a contemporary spin on it,” he says. “It’s what rock and roll did with blues and gospel and what hip hop took from funk and soul.”
Santaigo Rivera (Mescalero Apache), Warriors, oil on canvas, 80 x 60"
There will be a lot of exceptional, thought-provoking work to take in at Sovereign Santa Fe, but Farah says to make a point of seeing works by Danielle SeeWalker (Lakota), whose work is featured here, and Nizhonniya Austin (Tlingit/Diné)) and Billy Hensley (Chicksaw), whose abstract art and enormous canvases particularly convey the intention of this year’s event. “They’re definitely going to turn some heads,” Farah says.
George Alexander (Mvskoke), Waiting, acrylic and oil on canvas, 64 x 48"
Farah is a forward thinker who knows that “the cutting edge” is always moving further afield. “I’m always looking for the next thing,” he says. “Who’s pushing the envelope even more? Who’s changing the stereotypes and vernacular around not only the question of ‘what is Native art’ but also ‘what is contemporary Native art.’” Hopefully we won’t have to wait until next year to find out.
August 18-21, 2022
Sovereign Santa Fe Exhibition
La Fonda on the Plaza Lumpkins Ballroom
100 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.sovereignsantafe.com
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