John Nieto Original Painting titled “Sioux Chief” [SOLD]

John Nieto's ‘Sioux Chief': A Vibrant Fusion of Cultures and Colors

"Sioux Chief" is a captivating original painting by the late John Nieto, an influential artist of Mescalero Apache and Hispanic heritage. Completed in 1986, this piece is a testament to Nieto's mastery of acrylic paints on canvas.

The painting's central figure, the "Sioux Chief," stands majestically in the middle of the expansive canvas. His commanding headdress, almost touching the canvas's upper edge, is a testament to the chief's authority. Wrapped in what appears to be a blanket or possibly a flag, the chief is a subtle nod to Nieto's recurring theme of juxtaposing American flags with Indigenous imagery. The red, white, and blue stripes draped over the chief's shoulders gradually transition into hues of purple and pink, demonstrating Nieto's exceptional color blending skills.

Above, the chief's face and headdress are highlighted with striking green and orange tones, drawing the viewer's attention. His eyes, nestled within slender black shadows, exude a sense of mystery, while the rest of his facial features are meticulously detailed. Nieto skillfully uses the same blue and purple tones from the lower part of the painting to compose the chief's face, creating a harmonious and natural feel amidst the imaginative color palette. This striking composition, coupled with Nieto's masterful color choices, amplifies the painting's visual impact.

Nieto sets his figure against a backdrop of purple and pink. The upper quarter of the background is dominated by a pink tone, with purple filling the remainder. A thin, bright red line separates the two background colors, mirroring the red outline of the headdress. This subtle detail establishes a sense of unity between the chief and his surroundings. "Sioux Chief" is a beautifully conceived and brilliantly executed representation of John Nieto's artistic prowess.

The painting is signed Nieto in lower right. An additional signature, a date of 1986, and the title "Sioux Chief" appear on the back of the wooden frame.

John Nieto (1936-2018) was an artist of Mescalero Apache and Hispanic descent. Nieto was born in Colorado and eventually moved to New Mexico, where much of his family had lived for generations. The last fifteen years of his life were spent in Texas. Nieto's long list of accomplishments includes exhibiting work internationally, receiving the New Mexico Governor's Award for Achievement in the Arts, and having a painting displayed in the White House's Oval Office. Nieto passed away in 2018. Today, he is regarded as a significant and highly influential artist with a unique style.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this John Nieto Original Painting titled "Sioux Chief" is  from the large collection of a New Mexico family, who purchased it in 1989

Recommended Reading: THE INDIANS OF THE GREAT PLAINS, 1981

TAGS: Apache, Hispanic Culture, Native American Painting, John Nieto