Original Lithograph “Tablita” with Steam Engine [SOLD]

The artist presents a traditional dance tablita as the area on which to paint the design.  In top center of the tablita, there is a sun face with buffalo-type horns but below that is a train engine and tender.  It is speculated that the intent of the artist is to show the infiltration of the Anglo-world into the Navajo Reservation with the introduction of the iron horse through the reservation.  Above the engine on the left is a Yei mask and on the tender behind the engine is a Navajo Rug design of large crosses.  A complete mixture of both cultures is illustrated in less than a square foot of art.

Douglas Johnson was born in Portland, Oregon and is a self-taught artist.  While in college, Johnson joined the government program Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) by which he was assigned to the Navajo Reservation.  As a result of this experience, his art is a reflection of his tenure with working to improve the lives of Reservation Navajos.  He moved permanently to New Mexico as a result of this experience.  Much of his art reflects his knowledge and appreciation of Navajo life.

This image is titled, signed and dated and noted as an artist's proof.  It was completed in 1977.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the Katherine H. Rust collection