CJ Wells (American, b. 1952). Oil on canvas, n.d. An extremely large painting by CJ Wells, a Santa Fe artist and poet of Native American and Hispanic American descent, depicting a Native American warrior dressed in traditional garments, headdress, and accoutrements with a prominent horse head above his visage against a background of saturated cobalt blue hues. Notice the golden eyes of the figure; according to Wells, these "yellow eyes" represent respect for "holiness of the Earth and animals." Interestingly, warrior and horse appear to be united, almost bridged by the star embellished cloak. The man's face is painted black to match that of the horse, and his medallion presents an image of a galloping horse. Paintings like this example are Wells' unique visions that depict indigenous people living in a space that vacillates between the past and the present. According to Wells, "It's very difficult to paint without a model, but many of these people come right out of my head." Size: 60.5" L x 49.875" W (153.7 cm x 126.7 cm)

Wells is a bold colorist who surrounds her subjects' serious countenances with vibrant hues to express their power. As Taos Magazine states, "Well's paintings present a fascinating contrast between the solemn faces of her subjects and the lush color and detail that surround them. Her images have an abstract, timeless quality. The warriors are set against dark backgrounds or cloudy skies, and their yellow eyes seem to gaze out beyond the viewer. They appear to be listening to an inner voice or contemplating the past. Each one is an elegant, aristocratic presence surrounded by mystery and drama."

CJ Wells resides in her great grandmother's house in downtown Santa Fe, near the banks of the Santa Fe River. Her ancestors were Spaniard men who married indigenous women. Wells identifies as a "collective Indian" since her foremothers came from various tribes, including Cochiti Pueblo, Picuris Pueblo, Cherokee, among others.

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173153

Painting is in overall very nice condition save a few scuffs here and there. "CJ Wells" is handwritten on stretcher on verso.