“Talking Prayers” by Margarete Bagshaw [SOLD]

"Talking Prayers" was created by Margarete Bagshaw, a notable artist of Santa Clara Pueblo descent who passed away in 2015. It's a colorful abstract image completed in pastel on paper, with a notable significance to the artist and an interesting exhibition history.

A paper attached to the back of the frame explains the image in the artist's own language: "Does a prayer have its own spiritual identity? After seeing dances of the Aztecs performed I was illuminated by the physical and trance-like intensity of the dancers. The brilliance of the costumes and the plumes excited me. As I understood it, each dance was a different prayer in respect to the sun and the dieties [sic] of this society. Each dance (or prayer) seemed to speak to the next in a cycle and thundering rhythm. ‘Talking Prayers' was chosen to tour in ‘We the People,' a museum show curated by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith."

It is signed and dated Margarete Bagshaw Tindel 92 in lower right. It is mounted over a white backing, under plexi, in a wood frame.

Margarete Bagshaw (November 11, 1964 - March 19, 2015) was a painter who was descended from the Tewa people of K'apovi or the Kha'p'oo Owinge, Santa Clara Pueblo. Her mother was Helen Hardin, and her grandmother was Pablita Velarde, which places her within an important family of talented and influential women artists. Bagshaw received much acclaim and recognition during her career. Her works and those of her ancestors remain incredibly popular among today's collectors. Bagshaw passed away in 2015. Her daughter Helen Tindel continues the family tradition of artistic creation.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this "Talking Prayers" by Margarete Bagshaw is from a private collection, originally purchased directly from the artist

Recommended Reading: PABLITA VELARDE, HELEN HARDIN, MARGARET BAGSHAW: The Three Books. Little Standing Spruce Publishing, 2012.

TAGS: Native American Paintings, Santa Clara Pueblo, Helen Hardin, Pablita Velarde, Margarete Bagshaw