Tewa Tales of Suspense! (Priest Killer)

Inscriptions

Inscribed, in paint, on reverse, middle center: TEWA TALES OF SUSPENSE! / PRIEST KILLER; signed, in paint, on reverse, lower center: OKuu PIN’ / TURTLE MOUNTAIN; inscribed, in paint, on reverse, lower left: R14

Label

In each of these works, the artists use iconic Pop and comic book imagery to intrigue their viewers. Jason Garcia creates comic book–like scenes of traditional Pueblo life; his innovative technique of storytelling on ceramic tiles diverges from the more common vessel shapes of Pueblo pottery. In Tewa Tales of Suspense! Priest Killer, a Pueblo warrior holds the head of a monk, referencing the Pueblo Revolt against Spanish colonizers in 1680—while Diego Romero’s print shows Spanish conquistadors inflicting violence upon the Pueblo people. Despite its modern decoration, Tammy Garcia’s canteen with redware elements reflects traditional pottery techniques: it is coil built, carved, and polished with traditional clay slips.

I am building in clay vessels that resemble glass bottles. This is the "Pop Bottle." In pop culture, attitudes can be seen in an image through facial expression, as in a Roy Lichtenstein painting. I am fascinated how one word, like, "POW," along with an image, can tell a story. Words have become an important part of my design and the exploration of that has just begun! —Tammy Garcia

From the 2022 exhibition Unbroken: Native American Ceramics, Sculpture, and Design, curated by Dillen Peace '19, Native American Art Intern and Sháńdíín Brown '20, Native American Art Intern 

Course History

ANTH 11, NAS 11, Ancient Native Americans, Nathaniel Kitchel, Fall 2019

ANTH 3.01, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Sienna Craig, Winter 2022

Writing Program 5.24, Photographic Representations, Amanda Wetsel, Winter 2023

Writing Program 5.25, Photographic Representations, Amanda Wetsel, Winter 2023

Exhibition History

Unbroken: Native American Ceramics, Sculpture, and Design, Ivan Albright Gallery, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, January 22, 2022-March 12, 2023.

Provenance

King Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico; sold to present collection, 2019.

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Subjects