Autumn is nearly here and September begins an exciting line-up of fall exhibitions at Bryant Nagel Galleries.
Lance Yazzie: Modern Edge opens Friday, Sept. 6, with an artist’s reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and artist’s talk at 5:45 p.m. that evening. All are welcome.
The exhibition celebrates the re-emergence of this significant Navajo artist, eldest son of world-renowned sculptor Larry Yazzie. Recent years saw Lance Yazzie laying low artistically while he focused on the very real obligations of being a single dad to his son and daughter.
“[They are] the loves of my life,” he said.
This exhibition marks Yazzie’s return to the life of a full-time artist, a path he has known almost his whole life. Yazzie began sculpting at age 13; his work has been represented at the gallery, previously known as Turquoise Tortoise, since he was 16. Top awards came early, including from the Museum of Western Colorado, Phippen Museum, first place in Sculpture at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Best in Class at the annual Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market.
Yazzie’s evolution as a fine artist has seen him refine traditional forms of his Diné, or Navajo, culture and also create contemporary modern art pieces. These more abstracted works allow for the reflection of a very personal and cultural sensibility to come through, a sensibility that goes directly to the soul of what Yazzie wishes to express.
“The symbolism is not only meaningful to Native people but to all of us. I try to leave it open so people can find their own meaning,” he said. “My goals are to reflect society, culture, growth, spirituality and enlightenment. All of those through stone.”
The exhibition continues through Sunday, Sept. 29.
The gallery is located at Hozho, 431 SR 179, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional photos and information is available on Facebook, Instagram or Bryant Nagel Galleries’ YouTube channel.
More information is also available by contacting 282-6865, connect@BryantNagelGalleries.com, or bryantnagelgalleries.com.
