Zuni artist Dennis Dewa’s installation captures the creativity of the Zuni people in flagging tape. Dennis wove the material through the fencing employing the same embroidery stitch used to make traditional kilts. “The designs show the ideologies embedded in the Zuni culture, and the complexities that come with it. It shows how beautiful this world is,” says Dennis.
Diné artist Shelia Nez created a mixed media installation that represents the idea of “getting ready” for Ceremonial. “For Ceremonial, people make or buy new skirts to wear, they polish and wear their best silver jewelry, and adorn their hair with floral scarves,” says Shelia. “This installation honors and commemorates the people and history of Ceremonial by visually representing a shared experience.”
Her mother’s hands are the focal point of Diné artist Tasha N.’s installation. “This mural is an homage to the craftspeople and artisans in my family and many other families–especially Diné women–who have carried on and expanded traditions,” says Tasha. “Their hands built the local economy and in them we see strength, resiliency, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It is through their hands that we prosper.”
Diné artist Jay John’s installation features spray-painted versions of historic images from previous Ceremonial events set within a butterfly pattern. The images celebrate cultural diversity and the butterflies symbolize change and spiritual rebirth. “I believe it’s important to community to place positive imagery in places that may be otherwise looked at as eyesores,” says Jay. “I’m always looking for opportunities to create art that reflects my culture on a large scale.”
Diné artist Antonio Scott created a collage of photographs and newspaper clippings from the Ceremonial archive that show glimpses into life and culture in the Indigenous communities surrounding Gallup over the last 100 years. It also incorporates his own, original landscape photography. “While growing up, I looked forward to trips to the Gallup Ceremonial,” says Scott.
Zuni artist Erin Bulow created arrangement of vinyl records painting with colorful backgrounds and Pueblo pottery designs, incorporating scenes and images from Gallup and the surrounding area. “I chose to paint on vinyl records because there has been a recent uptick in their popularity, just like being Native is ‘trendy’ right now as seen in TV shows, the fashion industry, and music,” says Erin. “But it’s always been trendy to be Native.”
