Artist Jeremy Salazar sees himself as emerging artist, but his acrylic paintings featuring Native American portraits suggest that he’s been working for decades. Not only does Salazar have technical skill, but he’s established quite a distinct style that also honors his Native American heritage. Faust Gallery, with a location based in Santa Fe, has recognized the artist’s vision and dedication, prompting them to host a solo show of new work, opening August 16.
“The moment I saw Jeremy’s paintings, I knew this young, up-and-coming artist was extremely talented,” shares Bill Faust, Faust Gallery owner. “Over the last six years I have seen him grow exponentially, making him our most popular painter with an interesting aesthetic, combining contemporary painting styles with a keen eye for brilliant colors and painting traditional Native American content.”
With Grace, acrylic, 36 x 36"
Salazar notes that he’s continuing to expand upon existing themes and styles. “It’s always about the Native American portrait,” the artist explains, “and I usually base my paintings on old photos from the 1800s or images that I create today using contemporary faces. I do a lot of photo shoots.” The unofficial theme for the new show is “Native American portraits, past and present.”
Show attendees will also notice that Salazar works between two different, yet similar series of paintings—catering to the artist’s mood and personality. “My two portrait styles are multi-color abstracts and a monochromatic, black-and-white series, but with a pop of color,” says Salazar. “On one hand, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Working on the monochromatic paintings allows me to practice my perfectionism, and focus on clean lines and details. Other times, [as with the multi-color works] I just want to throw paint on the canvas and whatever happens, happens. This allows my more creative, spontaneous side to show through. It’s a good balance.”
In show works like With Grace, part of the monochrome series, we see an example of Salazar’s tranquil side while highlighting his technical skill. “This model is a friend to both me and my wife,” he says. “She’s always had a strong, yet calm demeanor about her—a quiet confidence. This image is based on the photo I took of her—the photo itself is just her peering over shoulder; a confident but gentle look. I added in the feather and the colors on her face to create a pop.”
Stripes of Honor, acrylic, 36 x 36"
Undefeated, acrylic, 48 x 48"
For his abstracted series, pieces like Undefeated are bold, with vibrant color. “This is one of my favorite pieces [I paint],” Salazar says. “I do a continuing series where every piece is spontaneous—so they’re all different but I’m working from the same image. [Undefeated] is from a very powerful image from the late 1800s. “Some say it’s a picture of Geronimo but others say it’s Sitting Bull—it could be either of them. It’s hard to find accurate information for old photos like this.”
For the show of approximately 15 new pieces, Salazar hopes that people see that the work “honors Native American people and that it’s created by a Native American person,” he says. “I was born and raised on the Navajo reservation, coming from nowhere and growing up in a very poor household, so I hope they see where I’ve come from and where my skill set has brought me.”
Join Faust Gallery in celebrating the artist’s newest creations, starting with an open reception on August 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. The show will hang through September 15.
Faust Gallery
August 16-September 15, 2023
114 E. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (480) 200-4290, www.faustgallery.com
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