Acrylic Painting “Crow Kachina” by Dan Namingha [SOLD]

“Crow Kachina” is an original painting by Hopi artist Dan Namingha.  Like many of the Namingha pieces we’ve handled recently, it dates to the mid-90s.  This must have been a fruitful creative period for Namingha, as his works from this period feel fresh and engaging nearly thirty years later.  For many years, Namingha has successfully applied his own vision to traditional Hopi imagery.  “Crow Kachina” presents a wonderful example of that vision.

For this piece, Namingha created a portrait of the Crow Kachina.  He faces the viewer directly, with the mask and evergreen ruff occupying the majority of the image.  The mask appears with the expected designs and colors.  Elsewhere, Namingha moves away from reality, using expressive brushwork and a large and vibrant color palette.  Each of his orange, red, and purple hues is attractive on its own, but the magic lies in the way he combines these colors.  Together, they create vigorous clouds of color with incredible depth and energy.  Blues and greens hang behind the brighter tones, adding strength and structure to Crow Kachina’s frame.  “Crow Kachina” is a deep, beautiful image from one of today’s most prominent Hopi painters.

The painting is signed Namingha in the lower left.  The canvas is wrapped around a wood frame, ready to hang.  Its exterior edges are painted black.  The following text is written on verso: “‘Crow Kachina’, 1995 Dan Namingha”.

Dan Namingha (1950- ) is a Hopi-Tewa painter and sculptor who comes from a long line of influential artists.  Namingha is the son of Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo. His great grandmother was Annie Healing Nampeyo, and his grandmother was Rachel Nampeyo.  He was raised on the Hopi reservation. Namingha studied at University of Kansas, Institute of American Indian Arts, and the American Academy of Art.  His list of awards, accolades, notable exhibitions, and major collectors is long and varied. Namingha is frequently referred to as one of the most successful Native American artists working today.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Acrylic Painting "Crow Kachina" by Dan Namingha is from a private collection from a client in Indiana

Recommended Reading: Hopi Painting: The World of the Hopis by Patricia Janis Broder

Relative Links:  Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo, Hopi Reservation, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Rachel Nampeyo, Otellie Loloma, Charles Loloma, Native American Paintings, Dan Namingha, Hopi Pueblo Artist