Tony Abeyta, Painter Extraordinaire

By Rebekah Powers | February 2023

Chimayo Trading is now showing an exceptional painting by one of New Mexicos most prominent native painters Tony Abeyta. There are many aspects of this major work that make it unique. One is the figurative design of interlocking animal forms that dance across the canvas, hence the title: “Animal Dance”.

Abeyta creates symbols reflective of Navajo culture in this dynamic piece with bold reds and blacks, rich texture and distinctive animal iconography. Another is the frame, a work of art in and of itself. In this work, Tony Abeyta has given us a full range of imagery and an insight into his artistic interpretation beyond the landscape, but designed to return us to the land.

The longer you look at this painting, the more you see. The horns of the antelope, a squirrel, feline forms, a badger, a frog and more… the painting speaks to the interdependence of all life forms and is a celebration of the Diné belief that Life in all its diversity originates from one source: the earth. Painted in 2014, this work juxtaposes many layers of paint, color and texture to create the same powerful resonance of a Tony Abeyta landscape painting.

Another rare and compelling aspect of this painting is the hand worked copper frame designed and made by the artist. A particularly interesting touch are the steel nails that Tony used, which create a different patina than the oxidized copper. The frame is a sculptural relief and compliments the color range of the reds with cool hues of turquoise. Together, the frame and the painting almost vibrate on the wall, exciting both the eye and the mind of the viewer.

This artist is a living legend of the Southwest who has risen to prominence for his talent and also the ability to speak so eloquently of his own deep history and that of his people using form, color and the patina of history. There couldn’t be a better example than this extraordinary painting, “Animal Dance” by Tony Abeyta, on view now at Chimayo Trading.

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#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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