Tony Abeyta Colorful Mudhead Monotype, dated 1995

This monotype was created by Diné artist Tony Abeyta, in collaboration with master printer Ricardo Ximenes. It was completed in 1995 at Ximenes' El Cerro Graphics, which operated for many years in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Abeyta created what he refers to as his "Deity Series." These images are depictions of various beings from Indigenous religion and mythology. With this piece, Abeyta created a depiction of a Mudhead using the monotype printing process. Monotype printing is a method in which paints or inks are applied to a smooth, non-absorbent surface and then pressed onto paper either manually or using a press. In between these two steps, the paints and inks can be manipulated, allowing the artist to create painterly images with unique textures. As the medium's name implies, each monotype is a one-of-a-kind piece—they are prints, technically, but they are not produced in multiples.

This piece is a unique example as far as subject matter goes. Many Deity Series images focus on Yei figures; this one varies by featuring a Mudhead. Abeyta's color palette is rich and beautiful, making excellent use of a wonderfully complementary combination of earthy red and bright turquoise tones. Abeyta's pre- and post-printing manipulations of the inks resulted in an image that, while technically two dimensional, has incredible depth and an impressive variety of textural qualities.

The monotype is signed Tony Abeyta in lower right and dated 1995 in lower left. It is mounted with the entire paper visible, under glass in a wood frame.

Diné artist Tony Abeyta (b. 1965) is one of the most prominent contemporary Native American painters. Abeyta was educated at Santa Fe's Institute of American Indian Arts, the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, and overseas in Italy and Southern France. His father was Diné painter Narciso Platero Abeyta (1918-1998) Ha So De. Abeyta's works are included in major museums around the world, and he has received many notable awards and accolades for his work. Abeyta lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Berkeley, California.

Condition: excellent new condition

Provenance: this Colorful Mudhead Monotype, dated 1995, is from the archives of El Cerro Graphics

Recommended Reading: For more detailed information on the monotype process, see What is a Monotype? What is a Monoprint? - ARTicles for Artists (this will take you to another website)

TAGS: Navajo Nation, Native American Fine Art, Narciso Platero Abeyta, Tony Abeyta, Elizabeth Abeyta