Paul Montoya Miniature Painting of Pueblo Dance [SOLD]

This original painting was created by Paul Montoya, or Povi Tanj, of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. At under two inches in height and width, this is truly a miniature piece. Remarkably, Povi Tanj managed to create a wonderful dance scene within this small space.

Two figures appear, with a flag bearer leading the way and a female dancer following close behind. The artist went into much finer detail than one might imagine is possible considering the scale, and his color palette is similarly impressive. Up above the dancers, rain clouds appear in the same blue, yellow, and red tones that appear down below, linking the dancers to that which their ceremony celebrates. This is an undeniably charming and impressive piece.

The painting is signed Povi Tanj and dated 11-81 in lower right. It is framed beautifully, using UV protective conservation glass and a gold frame.

Paul Montoya (1950s- ) Povi Tanj is an artist from Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan) Pueblo. Montoya has followed in the footsteps of his mother, Gerónima Cruz Montoya, painting the ceremonial life of the Rio Grande Pueblo people. Growing up on the campus of the Santa Fe Indian School where his parents worked, Montoya had a lifetime of exposure to art. A prize winner three different years at Santa Fe Indian Market, Paul exhibited there along with his mother and brother, Robert Montoya.  Source: University of Arizona/Arizona State Museum

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Paul Montoya Miniature Painting of Pueblo Dance is from a private Santa Fe collection

Recommended Reading: THE WORLDS OF P'OTSÚNÚ Geronima Cruz Montoya of San Juan Pueblo by Jeanne Shutes and Jill Mellick

TAGS: Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan) Pueblo, Gerónima Cruz Montoya, Robert Montoya, Paul Montoya, Ohkay Owingeh Artist