Dan Namingha Original Painting of Hopi Katsina Masks [SOLD]

Quadrants of Spirit: A Mixed Media Exploration of Hopi Katsina Masks by Dan Namingha

This untitled original artwork, crafted by the renowned Hopi-Tewa artist Dan Namingha, is a mixed media masterpiece that beautifully portrays Hopi Katsina masks. The painting, a blend of paint, hair, fur, and fabric on canvas, is a testament to Namingha's innovative artistic approach.

In this piece, Namingha ingeniously divides the canvas into quadrants, each representing one of the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west. This division serves as a symbolic reminder of the omnipresent katsina spirit beings, a central theme in Hopi culture.

Namingha's choice of palette for this artwork is a medley of earth tones, with tans and browns featuring prominently. These colors are skillfully complemented with hues of green and red, adding a layer of depth and vitality to the neutral desert tones. An abstract landscape emerges for those who delve deeper, with a deep green and brown sky that provides an apt backdrop for the spirit beings depicted in the foreground.

The largest of the katsina masks is brought to life with the addition of fur and hair, introducing an extra dimension to the image. The finer details are subtly obscured, lending the image a sense of mystery while maintaining its allure and accessibility. This blend of abstraction and realism makes this painting a captivating piece for any admirer of Southwestern indigenous art.

The painting is signed Dan Namingha in lower right. The canvas is mounted within a black frame with a protective backing.

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.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Dan Namingha Original Painting of Hopi Katsina Masks is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Namingha: Timeless Land and Enduring Images by Author Unknown

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