Adobe Gallery Blog

José Angela Aguilar, sometimes known as Joe Aguilar, was the son of Susana Aguilar-a well-known potter-and is known to have painted pottery for his mom. He was the husband of Rosalie Simbola Aguilar, originally from Picuris Pueblo and also a potter, for whom he also painted pottery. He was an exceptional painter. Kenneth Chapman included him on a list of fifteen men who painted pottery at San Ildefonso before 1940. His son, Alfred Aguilar, said that his father formed pots, as well as painting them.

There is no mention of him in either Clara Lee Tanner's book or in Dorothy Dunn's book as a painter of paintings; however, there are other references that indicate he was. Snodgrass, in her book, stated "The artist has been actively engaged in art and related subjects since 1944. In 1949, he began painting experiments in new directions." His new direction was the influence of another painter, Joe Herrera, son of Tonita Pena. Seymour stated that in 1987, Aguilar was working in the California aerospace industry doing technical drawings and only an occasional painting for friends.

This painting of a San Ildefonso Antelope Dancer is quite possibly an early one by the artist. It is interesting that the artist placed the left foot and left stick that represents the animal's leg, below the ground plane. It is signed Joe A Aguilar but there is no date. The painting is double matted with acid-free materials and framed in a period wood frame.

Condition: In very god condition with two what may be water spots in lower left directly under the abstract plant design.

References:
Tanner, Clara Lee. Southwest Indian Painting, a Changing Art 1957.
Dunn, Dorothy. American Indian Painting of the Southwest and Plains Areas 1968.
Stewart, Kathryn. Portfolio II Eleven American Indian Artists 1988.
Seymour, Tryntje Van Ness. When the Rainbow Touches Down 1988
Snodgrass, Jeanne O. American Indian Painters: A Biographical Directory 1968.

Title: San Ildefonso Original Painting of an Antelope Dancer
Artist: José Angela Aguilar (1898-1965)
Category: Paintings
Origin: San Ildefonso Pueblo
Medium: watercolor
Size: 10-1/2" x 13-1/2" image; 14" x 18" framed
Item # 25594