Dan Namingha Original Painting “Fragments of Symbolism XI” [SOLD]

“Fragments of Symbolism XI” is an original painting by Hopi-Tewa artist Dan Namingha.  One of Namingha’s greatest strengths as an artist is his ability to combine traditional Hopi symbolism with personalized abstraction.  This piece, which was completed in 2001, is an excellent example of Namingha’s unique vision.  This seamless combination of old and new will appeal to many, regardless of their level of familiarity with Hopi symbology.

The painting features two katsina elements over a beautifully composed background.  The large central element uses a carefully arranged combination of shapes to form an abstracted katsina mask.  Each of these shapes contains its own pattern, each one of which is entirely unique but pleasantly complementary to the others.  These seemingly disparate patterns combine wonderfully, surrounding and occasionally crossing over one another, creating a unique and beautiful feeling of depth.

A trio of black lines forms the second katsina element.  It’s a tall, thin form—more of a shadow of an outline than a detailed depiction.  It hovers over the left side of the larger mask element, providing with its tableta the painting’s most direct link to the physical world.  Namingha’s color choices, as always, are excellent.  Their depth matches that of the elegantly composed katsina mask, creating an exceptionally rich and rewarding image.

The canvas is wrapped around a wood frame.  Its exterior edges are painted black.  It is signed Namingha in lower left.  The title, date (2001) and an additional signature are handwritten on verso.

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 Namingha 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.

What is gallery wrap? The canvas is stretched over wooden stretchers which are usually 1-1/4 inches or thicker. The canvas is folded and tucked around the sides and is stapled or attached on the back. This leaves the side of the canvas smooth and without any nails or staples to detract from the visual effect. Artists would even extend the painting around the sides. The art is then displayed without a frame. Neither gallery wrap nor traditional stretched canvas is better than the other. Some artists and collectors prefer the way the art looks framed, and others prefer an unframed look.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Dan Namingha original painting "Fragments of Symbolism XI" is from a private Michigan collection, originally purchased through Niman Fine Art

Recommended Reading:

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

- Namingha: Timeless Land And Enduring Images

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