Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West
On display through Feb 13, 2022 at the New Mexico Museum of Art
Narrative art tells a story. It can either illustrate historic events or bring the imagination to life. It can be somber, humorous, didactic, or entertaining. The traditions of storytelling in the Southwest go back to ancient times and the indigenous populations of the region, and include themes such as satire, agriculture and ecology, everyday experiences, celebrations, grief, and local history. The West has held a special place in the American imagination since the earliest days of westward expansion, providing a canvas for the expression of the nation’s hopes, fears, and aspirations.
This exhibition explores the various ways artists have told stories about the Southwest in their work, including illustrations of historic events such as Diego Romero’s images of the Pueblo Revolt, and paintings of local religious ceremonies a la Henderson’s Holy Week in New Mexico, ruminations on spiritual traditions as in Partocinio Barela’s Last Supper, reflections on modern art, as shown by John Sloan or Gustave Baumann, Sloan’s and Gina Knee’s comical lampoons of contemporary society, or iconic images of the West inspired by pop culture, as seen in Dunton’s “Illustration for The Fair in the Cow Country" and Billy Schenck’s pop cowboys.
Also on exhibit at the New Mexico Museum of Art
New Mexico CulturePass
Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »
Encounter Culture
Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Featured DCA Exhibitions
Multiple Visions: A Common Bond
Multiple Visions: A Common Bond has been the destination for well over a million first-time and repeat visitors to the
more »
The Art of Peter Aschwanden: For the Compleat Idiot
This quirky exhibit celebrates the man who brought humor and humanity to car repair manuals - Peter Aschwanden! "The
more »
18 Miles and That’s As Far As It Got: The Lamy Branch of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad
Enjoy a captivating flashback as the New Mexico History Museum presents "18 Miles and That’s As Far As It Got:
more »
Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection
Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection features objects that were selected by members of the Museum of
more »