The recent acquisition of 100 works by Indigenous artists at the Phoenix Art Museum marks a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Native American art. This collection, comprising 185 artworks, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Native American artists over the past century. The exhibition, titled 'The Way We Came: A Century of Indigenous Art The William P. Healey Collection', is a testament to the power of art in storytelling and the importance of understanding Native American history from their perspective.
The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Jaune-Quick-to-See Smith (Confederated Salish and Kootenai), Tony Abeyta (Diné) and his father Narciso Abeyta (Diné), and T.C. Cannon (Kiowa and Caddo). The diverse range of art forms, including paintings, showcases the evolution of Native American art and its impact on the broader art world.
The gift from real estate developer and Western American art collector William Healey is a significant contribution to the museum's collection. Healey's interest in amassing a collection that captured the 'story of the American Indian from their perspective' is a testament to his commitment to preserving Native American history and culture. The final gifted collection represents 99 Native American artists and 44 tribes, providing a comprehensive overview of Native American art and its significance.
The exhibition co-curated by Tony Abeyta and Phoenix Art Museum curator JoAnna Reyes, highlights the importance of understanding the violent legacy of Native American forced-assimilation boarding schools. Abeyta's own experience with his father's art practice, which evolved from traditional painting to a more expressive and theatrical style, showcases the transformative power of art and its ability to capture the essence of a culture.
The collection also includes works by Narciso Abeyta, who studied art under Dorothy Dunn at the Santa Fe Indian School and served as a member of the elite Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. His post-war art practice, influenced by the Transcendental Painting Group artist Raymond Jonson, demonstrates the evolution of Native American art and its ability to adapt and thrive.
The Phoenix Art Museum's acquisition of the William P. Healey Collection is a significant step in the preservation and celebration of Native American art. The exhibition, 'The Way We Came: A Century of Indigenous Art The William P. Healey Collection', is a testament to the power of art in storytelling and the importance of understanding Native American history from their perspective. The collection's diverse range of art forms and artists showcases the evolution of Native American art and its impact on the broader art world.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Art Museum's acquisition of the William P. Healey Collection is a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Native American art. The exhibition, 'The Way We Came: A Century of Indigenous Art The William P. Healey Collection', is a testament to the power of art in storytelling and the importance of understanding Native American history from their perspective. The collection's diverse range of art forms and artists showcases the evolution of Native American art and its impact on the broader art world.
