Original Monotype of Diné Yei dated 1998

An extraordinarily sized piece, this monotype original print made by Diné artist Tony Abeyta in 1998 is absolutely stunning. Abeyta showcases a Yei figure, known in Navajo mythology as intermediaries between the Great Spirit and tribal members. These Yei figures play an important role in the spiritual beliefs of the Diné people and are thought to have power over elements such as the weather, the seasons, and night and day.

In this piece, Abeyta highlights the commanding presence of a Yei figure. Shown facing to the side, the viewer experiences a different angle than most of Abeyta's pieces in which figures are seen from the front. The coloration is brilliantly executed here, with orange and red being the dominant themes with heavy accents of turquoise and dark blue throughout. The Yei figure is adorned with an impressive headdress and a beautiful greenish-blue evergreen neck ruff. Feathers can be seen in his left hand. This figure is obviously one of great stature based on the grandeur of this monotype.

An expert monotype, this piece was executed at El Cerro Graphics in Los Lunas, NM on June 8, 1998. 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.

The print is signed in the lower left by Tony Abeyta. It is hung in a striking gold frame which suits the splendor of the piece quite well.

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 original condition

Provenance: this Original Monotype of Diné Yei dated 1998 is from the collection of a client from Nevada

Recommended Reading: Abeyta | To'Hajiilee K'é  This book is about the current exhibit at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe. It chronicles the important Navajo family of artists, a father, son, and two daughters: Narciso Abeyta (1918-1998), Pablita Abeyta (1953-2017), Elizabeth Abeyta (1955-2006) Nah-Glee-eh-Bah, and Tony Abeyta (b. 1965). The catalog-book is available at the Wheelwright Museum.

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