Patrick Swazo Hinds Deer Dancer - A Vision in Motion

This original painting by Patrick Swazo Hinds is a striking portrait of a Tesuque Pueblo Deer Dancer, rendered on grey matt board with a loose, expressive technique. The dancer, who traditionally appears during fall animal dances, emerges through smudges and short dashes of color. The figure's face is strong and stoic, yet purposefully undefined, while the feathers and neck ruff are vibrant without being overly detailed.

Swazo's bold approach reflects the influence of mid-century abstraction, a style he embraced alongside his Pueblo heritage. By combining traditional subject matter with a modern visual language, Swazo captured the timeless spirit of ceremony in a way that feels both reverent and contemporary.

Patrick Swazo Hinds (1929-1974), also known as Grey Squirrel, was the most prominent painter from Tesuque Pueblo and a leading figure in mid-20th-century Pueblo art. Born José Patricio Swazo, he was adopted at age nine by Dr. Norman Hinds, a University of California geology professor and honorary member of Tesuque Pueblo. Though raised in California, Swazo returned to Tesuque each summer, maintaining strong ties to his heritage.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Korea, Swazo studied at several institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago and Mexico City College. His work masterfully blended traditional Pueblo themes with modern techniques, reflecting both his Native heritage and formal artistic training. His unique vision earned him wide acclaim and lasting influence.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Patrick Swazo Hinds Deer Dancer - A Vision in Motion is from a private collection.

Recommended Reading: Art and Indian Individualists by Monthan and Monthan, Northland Press, 1975

TAGS: Patrick Swazo Hinds, Tesuque Pueblo, Native American Paintings, Mark Swazo Hinds