Artists in New Mexico

Examples, Themes and BiographiesFrom Statehood to the Present

Diego Romero

Cochiti Pueblo artist and Berkeley, California native, Diego Romero, is a contemporary potter who blends ancient, pueblo motifs with a modern message.

His work demonstrates a facination with modern comic book images and superheroes.

Inspiration

Classic Mimbres Pottery Diegro Romero’s Pottery

“Negative views toward Indian art made me stronger and firmer in the belief that my art was Indian art and that’s what it was about and it was going to stay that way.” —Diego

Romero

Working in a narrative style that evokes pre-contact Mimbres pottery, as well as Greek amphorae (two-handled vases) and Anasazi ceramics, Romero’s earthenware bowls and handled-vessels investigate the marginalized status of Indigenous history and society. DYLAN A. T. MINER, PHD

Ehren Kee Natay

Contemporary Native American Artist

His work expresses immense energy and portrays imagery of his culture. Natay’s room includes a buffalo dancer, a water serpent and a photographic print on metal as well as other artistic elements that nod to pop culture figures like The Simpsons characters.

Impact of art

Romero’s work is not a throw-back to the past. He is honoring his heritage as well as cultivating new appreciations for modern pottery. His artwork is instantly recognizable, often including a playful social commentary. He documents traditional Native American culture with a sometimes biting satire on mainstream society.

The “Chongo Brothers”

A Chongo is a Native American man who wears his hair in the traditional bun. In this image, Romero’s “chongo” is most likely located in an establishment that sells alcohol. The women in the red dress possibly represents the temptations and trappings of modern society.

Interview

• LA: A number of the "Chongo Brothers" pieces deal with drinking.

• DR: Exactly. That's what this all addresses. The pots are amusing anecdotes of urban Indian life. Here we have the Chongo brothers out in the desert and they're drinking over the bones of their ancestors, which is where they belong, not in a museum. They're just two alcoholic bros that fight and love and hate and live life. In "Time Machine" the Chongo brothers are in a comic situation. They're in their car in outer space. I was going to put a Mayan space traveler in it but I thought that would be too literal, so I went for the spaceship. Interviews By Larry Abbott