Elements of Power, Fresco, Deborah Jojola. Image courtesy of Deborah Jojola.
DEBORAH JOJOLA
I am from the Pueblo of Isleta & Jemez, New Mexico. I am a proud mother of daughter Delphina and Son Leon Raymond “Shufa” Sanchez and proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren; Paepuyo, Lillee, Nahki, Baby Ruby Star and Baby King.
The motivation and inspiration in my art lies deep within my cultural heritage. Art has been taught throughout many generations since the beginning of our creation. The process of creativity has been our way of life long before the word "Art" existed within our cultural customs. It was and still is a way of discovery and knowledge, our spirituality, empathy and balance.
In my work, I explore the unique position held by Pueblo women artists, curators, and art consultants as essential keepers of tradition and cultural identity, while also taking a leading role in sharing this living culture with the world outside the Pueblo. Utilizing centuries-old art forms, symbols of the past, with symbolic imagery for the future. I introduced innovations in subject, form and techniques. It carries a dialogue of history and resilience, an environmental relationship that embraces all life.
I have served as curator of exhibitions at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico and have professional knowledge working as an artist with national and international museums, including Museum of Fine Arts in Yekaterinburg, Russia and the International Symposium in Tokyo, Japan. Gallery shows include Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, 516 Arts, Kimo Gallery and Poeh Arts Center Museum. I have over 30 years of experience teaching at different levels and in a variety of mediums as an Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts.
In 2018, I was honored to be the Legendary Series Pendleton Blanket Artist and was selected to incorporate my Pueblo compositional design for Pendleton Woolen Mills, Inc. Oregon.
In 2019, I was the national recipient of the Cultural Capital National Fellowship Award from the First People Fund and Artist-In -Residence at Mesa Verde National Park.
Summer 2019, I installed two wall frescos murals for the exhibition entitle, “Reconciliation” at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Fall 2019, I have also completed the installation of “The Journey of Tamaya,” at the Tamaya Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa located on the Santa Ana Pueblo.
“Layered Voices” currently on exhibit at the Landmark Gallery, University of Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas from February - May 31, 2020.
Future exhibition: “Ogapoge” at the Palace of the Governors, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Earth Pigment Fresco, detail, Deborah Jojola. Image courtesy of Deborah Jojola.
Past In This Life, Earth Pigment Fresco, Deborah Jojola. Image courtesy of Deborah Jojola.