The University Museum of NMSU presents Harmonious Beauty – Through the Eyes of Diné Artists, an exhibition of Diné (Navajo) art from the permanent collection on display to the public for the first time. The featured works of art offer views into the world of the Diné, through the eyes and hands of the artists.
The public is invited to the opening reception of Harmonious Beauty – Through the Eyes of Diné Artists from 6 – 8 pm, Sunday, December 7th, 2014. The University Museum is pleased to host this reception in conjunction with Noche de Luminarias. Kent Hall will be illuminated with candlelight from hundreds of luminarias. Refreshments including hot chocolate, Navajo tea, cookies and tamales will be provided.
The opening of the Studio School painting program at the Santa Fe Indian School in 1932, under the direction of Dorothy Dunn, was especially significant in the development of Diné painting. The “Studio style” reflects an art of storytelling, conveying a rich cultural perspective through a distinctive two-dimensional approach. Dunn fostered the natural ability of artists, encouraging the artists’ remembrances of traditional culture through subjects referencing ceremony, such as blessing a weaving, and landscape scenes evoking Diné life, including herding sheep.
The exhibition features twelve works of art including watercolors, gouache, lithographs and silkscreen prints, by noted Diné artists including Harrison Begay, R.C. Gorman, Gerald Nailor, and Beatien Yazz. These visually stunning two-dimensional representations embody the Diné philosophy and concept ofhózhó, exemplifying masterful balance, order, beauty and harmony in composition and design.
The University Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 12 noon until 4:00pm. Museum admission is free. For more information about exhibits or programs please visit http://univmuseum.nmsu.edu, or call 575.646.5161.
The museum is located on the New Mexico State University campus in Kent Hall at University Avenue and Solano Drive.