Description:
Watercolor on paper. Signed l.r.: By Gilbert-Atencio 1946, Stamped u.r.: PLANCHE 37.
From: American Indian Painters, Vol. 2, p. 5: Wah-peen is one of the youngest of the Pueblo artists to receive recognition in the native American art world. In heritage, he also belongs to modern times; his mother was a full-blooded Tewa and his father Navajo and Spanish. He is a nephew of Julian Martinez and Maria, the famous potter. Wah-peen grew to manhood in the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. He is one of the most prolific young artists in the Southwest. His pictures are to be seen in most shops in and about Santa Fe, but he has not yet had the opportunity to exhibit formally, except in Santa Fe. In subjects, he adheres closely to the Pueblo tradition, Indian dances and home life. "The San Ildefonso Women Dancers" is representative of his style. His work possesses vigor and a certain crispness, reminiscent of Tonita Pena, but is much bolder in color, a boldness that sometimes reaches the point of crudity. With more experience and practice, it will doubtless become more mellow in tone. (Collection, Oscar Brousse Jacobson) Map references: San Ildefonso Pueblo (N.M.)