New Mexico Art Tells its History

Art in the Post-War Period

World War II marked a turning point for New Mexico art. The romance of nostalgic paintings— that had dominated New Mexico art for decades—seemed shallow and insignificant in the aftermath of the conflict. This led many New Mexico artists to investigate spiritual and psychological issues. During the Cold War, many New Mexico artists embraced abstraction and rejected realist imagery. At the same time, Native artists challenged the domination of abstract imagery by challenging the stereotypes of “Indian-ness” and by adopting expressionist brushstrokes and Pop Art styles.

Related Art

Click onto any thumbnail below and you will be redirected to a page where you will see a full image of the artwork and a short biography of the artist.

Snake Dancer - ScholderBerkeley #15Ramagir 1983Untitled #6 - MartinUntitled 1979 - GrahamUntitled 1973 - ScottWashington Landscape with Peace Medal IndianMatching Smallpox Suit...Apache SkullBotanical Layout: PeonyLas Meninas (Self Portrait)Large Blue Iris

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