Original Painting Titled “Ke-Tawn Biyin” or “Cigarette Stories” [SOLD]

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Myron Denetclaw, Diné of the Navajo Nation Painter
  • Category: Paintings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: watercolor
  • Size:
    25-⅜” x 20” image;
    38” x 30-¼” framed
  • Item # 26131
  • SOLD

Myron Denetclaw (1999-) is a Diné painter who was born on September 5, 1999 in Shiprock, New Mexico.  He resides in Shiprock with his parents, Milford and Mamie Denetclaw, and his brother Matthew. His maternal clan is Táchiiníí and his paternal clan is Hooghanłání.  He paints in the style of the early Navajo painters Harrison Begay and Beatien Yazz. There are not many young Navajo artists today who paint in this style. Denetclaw’s work clearly displays the influence of his predecessors, while expanding on their style with the energy and enthusiasm of a young, emerging artist.  His interest in traditional Navajo culture inspires much of his work. He believes that by painting his interpretations of Navajo ceremonial functions, he will help preserve the traditions for future generations. He has received an incredible number of awards and accolades for his paintings, including Best of Show awards from a variety of respectable institutions.  Denetclaw is currently studying studio arts at Diné College in Shiprock.

This excellent painting is titled “Ke-Tawn Biyin”, which translates to “Cigarette Stories.”  Here, Denetclaw provides the viewer with a fascinating look at Navajo symbology in a very creative fashion.  The painting provides a detailed visual recreation of a Navajo medicine man’s lesson. The symbols are contained within a cloud of smoke, which rises up and above the elder and his young apprentices.  In the center of the image is a circular design, from which four important resources emerge: beans, squash, corn and tobacco. Their colors—blue, white, yellow, and black, respectively—correspond with those of the Four Directions and the Navajo creation story’s Four Worlds.  Above this design are three very significant beings, each of which is presented in remarkable detail. In the center is the Talking God. To the Talking God’s left and right, respectively, are the Fringe Mouth and the Harvest God.

Below the circular design are two Yei figures.  The round-headed Yei on the left is male. The square-headed Yei on the right is female.  Below all of this, outside the cloud of smoke, Denetclaw provides his depiction of the physical world.  The aforementioned medicine man’s status as an elder is made clear by his gray hair and wrinkled skin. His ceremonial cigarettes lie on the ground in between him and his two young apprentices, who smile and listen eagerly as their mentor shares his knowledge.  Each of the three men sits on a piece of lambskin. The influence of Begay and Yazz is obvious in Denetclaw’s kind and appealing human figures.

For this “Ke-Tawn Biyin”, Denetclaw received yet another notable award: Best of Show at the 2018 New Mexico State Fair.  It is not surprising that this piece was so highly regarded by the New Mexico State Fair’s judges. It’s a beautiful piece that was clearly created with incredible skill and, more importantly, a great deal of knowledge and passion.  The subject matter—a Navajo medicine man, schooling two young apprentices—is of great personal significance to Denetclaw. This talented young traditionalist’s reverence for Navajo culture is apparent in this beautifully elaborate presentation.  

Myron Denetclaw (1999- ) signatureThe painting is signed in its lower right corner, and includes the aforementioned New Mexico State Fair “Best of Show” ribbon.

Condition:  original condition
Provenance: directly from the artist

Close up view

Myron Denetclaw, Diné of the Navajo Nation Painter
  • Category: Paintings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: watercolor
  • Size:
    25-⅜” x 20” image;
    38” x 30-¼” framed
  • Item # 26131
  • SOLD

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