For the past year, painter Tony Pro, has immersed himself into the research and lives of Southwestern Indigenous cultures, stemming from a transformative visit to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. In around 10 landscape, portrait and still life paintings for his upcoming solo show at Meyer Gallery, Pro predominately explores themes related to the Red Willow (Taos Pueblo), Diné (Navajo) and Hopi tribes.
“Though I’m not Indigenous myself, my upbringing was immersed in the culture through my parents’ extensive collection of Native American art, jewelry and textiles,” Pro explains. “This personal history profoundly influences my work, allowing me to explore these cultures with authenticity and respect.”
Guardians of the Horizon, oil, 30 x 40 in.
Pro also notes that this new series of work marks a stylistic evolution, “blending the influence of Maynard Dixon and the Taos Six with my own unique approach to capturing the vivid landscapes and peoples of the Southwest,” he says. “My style pivots towards a more expressive form, moving away from my earlier focus on ‘natural realism.’” In addition, Pro is painting larger and including more intricate compositions that he says, “reflects a matured perspective that honors my father’s wisdom. Dad was always telling me I had to work larger and more complex if wanted to ‘make a mark in this business.
He was so right.”
Red Willow Girl, oil on linen, 16 x 12 in.
For his 24 by 36-inch show piece, An Eternal Bond, Pro depicts a Diné (Navajo) woman next to her horse—relying on a model from Albuquerque to achieve realistic results, while incorporating the artist’s more “expressive” approach. “This piece captures the serene majesty of a horse, juxtaposed with the dynamic representation of a Moqui style blanket,” Pro adds. “I wanted to capture the warmth of the sun and the feel of the wind in her hair. This is also my largest horse head I have painted—almost like a horse portrait—which was challenging.”
Also known for his portraits, Pro will also display works Red Willow Girl and Taos Pueblo Skies—both showing Native women wrapped in blankets, set against a cloudy yet blue sky. “[Red Willow Girlis a] portrait that focuses on the delicate interplay of skin tones against the vibrant reds of traditional blankets, challenging yet rewarding in its execution,” says Pro.
Taos Pueblo Skies, oil, 16 x 12 in.
The show will also see examples of Pro’s landscapes involving figures, found in pieces like Twilight Companions and Guardians of the Horizon—a larger painting, measuring at 30 by 40 inches. “Twilight Companions originated as a landscape inspired by a journey to Monument Valley with [artist] Jeremy Lipking,” Pro shares. “This piece evolved significantly after a couple years, incorporating figures that harmonize with the simplified celestial elements, adding a profound narrative layer.”
This show of significant Wester works will open at Meyer Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 12 and hang through July 25. —
Meyer Gallery 225 Canyon Road, Suite 14 » Santa Fe, NM, 87501 » (505) 983-1434 » www.meyergalleries.com
Powered by Froala Editor
