Like many talented Native American artists, San Ildefonso potter Tony Da had artistry in his blood. As the son of Popovi Da and the grandson of Maria and Julian Martinez—all master potters and painters—Tony followed colossal legacies in the world of Native American art. But he carved a path uniquely his own. His fresh, precise designs bridged the realms of the traditional and the contemporary, revolutionizing Pueblo pottery as a whole.
Sacred Circles Jar, 1976
This fall, King Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is holding an incredible exhibition of pottery by the late artist, encapsulating his short career of just 15 years.
“Few potters have had the impact of Tony Da on the world of Native art,” says gallery owner Charles King. “[He was] one of the first ‘pop stars’ in the Native art world saying, ‘The more outrageous you are, the more people will want to come to see you.’ Outside of a major museum exhibition, it’s nearly impossible to see this many of Tony’s pieces together at one time.” Genesis: The Pottery of Tony Da will feature more than 15 works of art created from the 1960s to 1980, including water jars, bowls, plates and various sculptural pieces.
Black and Sienna Turtle, 1968-1969
Black and Sienna Melon Jar and Deer Plate, 1969-1971
Da was often known for creating pottery that was punctuated by intense colorations of black and sienna, as well as sgraffito etching and inlaid minerals. Pieces in the upcoming exhibition like Red Bears and Black and Sienna Turtle are set with multiple turquoise gems. And his Sacred Circles Jar from 1976 is an exceptional example of the artist’s mastery of etching design and stone inlay techniques.
Red ware pottery, ca. 1969-1973
“Among the first men to make and design pottery, he introduced sgraffito etching, inlaid stones and beads, initiated black and sienna colorations, and invented his stylized iconography derived from the ancient Mimbres pottery,” the gallery notes. “Throughout his career, Tony Da demanded perfection. As a result, he was an innovator in his art, as well as in his life. Tony was known to his family members as a creative perfectionist and as a creative genius.”
Red Bears, 1971-1975
An opening reception Genesis: The Pottery of Tony Da will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. King will be in the gallery to discuss Tony’s artistic career and continued impact in the world of Native American art and pottery. The show will remain on view through October 26.
King Galleries
October 19-26, 2024
130 Lincoln Avenue #D, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 440-3912, www.kinggalleries.com
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