Untitled Monotype Ghost Print by Tony Abeyta

This monotype was created by Tony Abeyta, in collaboration with Ricardo Ximenes, at El Cerro Graphics in New Mexico. It is a "ghost" impression of a monotype, which is itself a monotype because it is different from the original printed image.

In conversation with Adobe Gallery, Ximenes explained the process: "We have a lexan plate, or it could be a copper plate, it could be just a solid plate. Then we either roll ink on or, in this case, we'll roll a color on and then Tony will come in and start moving the colors around. After he's done all that—moved it around—you put the paper on top of the plate and run it through the press and then pick up the image. Now, this piece is called a ‘ghost,' and what's done is he's run one before, and then we take the image and get this pastel type color, because it's been run through before. Then he comes in and reworks it. It's a ghost print of a monotype, so it's a monotype itself because it's changed from the original."

This piece was completed in 1995, when Abeyta was creating what he refers to as his Deity Series. It's a depiction of a Yei figure. The Yei's mask appears in a straightforward style, but most of the other elements have a more abstract feel. Abeyta made the most of the medium's unique advantages, creating a variety of interesting textural variations. The soft, beautiful color palette—a result of the unusual printing process and Abeyta's keen eye for color—is what separates this piece from the typical Deity series image, and it will likely appeal to many.

The monotype is signed Tony Abeyta in lower right. It is mounted with the entire paper visible, under glass in a wood frame.

Diné artist Tony Abeyta (b. 1965) is one of the most prominent contemporary Native American painters. Abeyta was educated at Santa Fe's Institute of American Indian Arts, the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, and overseas in Italy and Southern France. His father was Diné painter Narciso Platero Abeyta (1918-1998) Ha So De. Abeyta's works are included in major museums around the world, and he has received many notable awards and accolades for his work. Abeyta lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Berkeley, California.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Untitled Monotype Ghost Print is from the archives of El Cerro Graphics

Recommended Reading: For more detailed information on the monotype process, see What is a Monotype? What is a Monoprint? - ARTicles for Artists (this will take you to another website)

TAGS: Navajo Nation, Native American Fine Art, Narciso Platero Abeyta, Tony Abeyta, Elizabeth Abeyta