Acrylic Painting “Unique Horn” Signed Chethlahe [SOLD]

David Chethlahe Paladin (1926-1984) had an incredible imagination based on the myths and legends learned during his youth.  It is not always clear what he is representing in his paintings and that is a positive statement as it leaves the interpretation to the imagination of the viewer.

This painting is entitled “Unique Horn” and it describes the horn perfectly as it certainly is unique.  The main character of the painting has antlers like a deer but a face that looks more like Coyote, the trickster.  The black rabbit has a baton and the turtle is standing on his hind legs.  Colorful clouds float overhead. 

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Paladin’s work is in the collections of the Albuquerque Museum, the Heard Museum, Arizona State Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona, among many others.  His art was shown in over 46 exhibits.

Paladin gave credit to the influence of Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, and Marc Chagall for influencing him to abandon his early traditional style of painting and embark on a more contemporary style.  While still a student, Paladin met Marc Chagall at an exhibition of the artist’s works at the Chicago Art Institute.  Chagall encouraged him to use his Navajo heritage but not to illustrate anything, instead he should listen to the story, dream it, and paint it.  - Arizona Arts and Lifestyle spring 1980

Paladin was in the U. S. Army in World War II and was a prisoner of war for 2-1/2 years.  His various careers were window designer, broadcaster, teacher, writer, Unitarian minister, lecturer, sculptor, jeweler and painter.  One wonders when he found time to paint.  He was living in Albuquerque at the time he passed away in 1984. 

Condition: original condition

Recommended Reading: Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner

Provenance: from a gentleman in Albuquerque