Chethlahe Paladin Painting “Night of the Shaman”

This painting is a striking example of the visionary and shamanic style of David Chethlahe Paladin (1926-1984), a Navajo artist who was a pivotal figure in modernizing Native American art.

The work showcases Paladin's departure from the traditional "flat" style often taught to Indigenous artists in the mid-20th century. Instead, he embraced a more abstract, textured, and modern approach.

The figures represent spirit beings or deities. Paladin often blended Navajo, Pueblo, and even Huichol (Mexican) iconography. The prominent white serpent winding through the composition is a recurring motif in his work, often symbolizing a "messenger" or a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.

David Chethlahe Paladin

Paladin's life story is as remarkable as his art. Born at Canyon de Chelly, he had a traumatic but transformative experience during WWII. He was a prisoner of war and survived a concentration camp. After returning, he spent years recovering from physical and emotional trauma, eventually turning to art as a form of "spiritual healing."

He studied under modern masters like Marc Chagall and Mark Tobey, who encouraged him to "paint the dream" rather than just illustrate tribal life.  Later in life, he became a shaman and often claimed to paint while in a trance state, using his art to express universal spiritual truths rather than strictly traditional Navajo stories.

In 1975, Newsweek cited him as the nation's leading Navajo modern artist. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections like the Heard Museum and the Albuquerque Museum.

This specific piece captures that "Path with Heart" he often spoke about, using ancient symbols to create a contemporary, meditative vision of the interconnectedness of all things.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Chethlahe Paladin Painting "Night of the Shaman" is from the collection of a resident of Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Painting the Dream: the Visionary Art of Navajo Painter David Chethlahe Paladin by Lynda Paladin

TAGS:  Dorothy Dunn, Navajo Reservation, Native American Painting