Chester Kahn (1936-2019 ) Tso Yazzy - Little Water

Chester Kahn (Tso Yazzy - Little Water) Diné, Navajo Nation. Kahn demonstrated his interest in art early in his life by drawing on cardboard and on canyon walls while herding sheep when he was about seven.  Probably his most famous work is a mural that adorns the walls of the Ellis Tanner Trading Company in Gallup, N.M.  It took him seven years to complete.  It is probably one reason why he was selected to receive the 2008 Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Living Treasure award. 

The mural, called "Circle of Light," is composed of 65 portraits that vividly portray past and present Navajo notables—visual and performing artists, writers, politicians and leaders including Mr. Kahn, at Mr. Tanner's insistence—plus the unsung heroes of the Navajo community. (Bahá'i website)

Mr. Kahn "has created a life's work that has probably been seen and enjoyed by more Navajos and Native Americans than any other artist's work of his generation," (Gallup Independent)

The portraits, which required Mr. Kahn to do extensive research, inspired the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project (CLNEP), which aims to educate Navajo young people about the history, culture and positive contributions of the Navajo people. 

Chester Kahn passed away on 01 June 2019.

** If you discover credit omissions or have additional information to add, please let us know at Marketing@adobegallery.com.