Four vibrant temporary installations by local artists
Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District has launched a new project to beautify the downtown corridor where construction for Coal Avenue Commons is taking place. Situated between 2nd and 3rd Streets on Coal Avenue, four local artists have been selected to install temporary artworks on the construction fencing. The works will be installed in mid-March and will remain on view through mid-May, or until the construction project wraps up this spring.
Artists were asked to come up with projects that reflect the art and culture of our region and that are inspired by themes of resilience and revitalization. “We’re excited to be able to support these dynamic, thoughtful artist-led projects that represent different approaches to the themes,” says executive director Kara Q. Smith. “They will not only brighten our built environment but they paint a picture of our community and give us something to look forward to, which we really need right now.”
ON VIEW UNTIL JULY 10, 2021
ORIN NEZ | Seeds of Strength
About the Artist:
Orin Nez has always been involved in art. Though not formally trained, he has always found creative ways to execute the things he imagines. As a child, he was interested in sculpture and then later developed a passion for painting. He has come to realize that art isn’t just an escape but is a need, the need to create.
About the Work:
“Nih’dé’neh Na’nízhoohí” roughly translates to “get up Gallup,” which I find to be an appropriate message most of the time for Gallup. But especially now with what is going on in the world, I believe this message carries so much more significance. The pandemic has had a major impact on our town, as well as the rest of the world, but I feel that this impact deserves a counterattack — a “counter impact” from us. I am trying to inspire a bounce-back that not only Gallup, but other surrounding communities can see and feel inspired by as well — a bounce-back communally, culturally, and commercially.
Jerry Brown | Weaving a Community of Colors
About the Artist:
Jerry is Diné, from Mariano Lake, NM. I am born into the Edgewater People, for the Deer Spring Band, and being Diné is part of who he is and he is very proud of his heritage. It is one of the many influences of his work. For as long as he can remember he has been creating art and is heavily influenced by the traditional ceremonies of the Diné Tribe. He is also heavily influenced by the modern world and considers himself a product of both worlds being called to create abstract work.
About the Work:
Using strips of canvas painted the colors of the rainbow to weave into the fence in an abstract pattern, Jerry seeks to represent the diversity of people and cultural traditions in Gallup into one unified piece.
BRANDY LEE | The People’s Garden
About the Artist:
Brandy Lee is a fiber artist and has been knitting and crocheting for many years, originally taught by her Nana. She is a long-time Gallup resident and sells her work at craft fairs, the flea market, and Makeshift Gallery. She teaches free lessons to people, especially children, who want to learn to knit and crochet and really enjoys making things that bring people joy.
About the Work:
Brandy’s installation is made of crocheted strips of green that are woven through the fence. The strips in different shades of green, resembling waves, and cover 2 fence panels. These woven strips are covered with flowers of different sizes, colors, and types which have also be woven into the fence on top of the “waves” of green. The idea is to resemble a garden and represent the many types of people and cultures that grow in our community garden. Buttons were provided for the public to attach to the flowers as a way to involve the people of our community. Hopefully, people are drawn to a flower that they feel represents them or someone they love. This installation symbolizes that no matter how harsh a winter our beautiful community endures, we will always continue to grow and show our beauty to the world.
JASON JOHN | We Carry Mountains
About the Artist:
Jason John is an artist based in Gallup, NM.
About the Work:
In the Diné teachings, the mountains that protect the Navajo Nation are known to be female. The Diné people understand how the mountains provide, give direction, are wise, patient, resilient, and strong. The shape of a skirt or dress represents the silhouette of a mountain and is worn in remembrance of what defines a mountain.
