Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Atencio Meets Atencio

It's interesting how an unfamiliar last name can lead to so many unique and imaginative spellings. Personally, my name has been spelled Antencio, Atenico, Artencio - you get the idea.

One day while googling "Atencio" and all the variations, I came across Gilbert Benjamin Atencio (1930-1995). I was drawn to him as he was an artist in an artistic family. (His aunt was the internationally known potter, Maria Martinez. Below, right)


As a Tewa Pueblo Indian, Gilbert used art to interpret the stories told to him by his aunties. His favorite subjects were the ceremonial scenes and figures of his people.

Gilbert's early works reflect the sparse, traditional flat style. In the 1970s, Gilbert began experimenting with a more abstract style. In the top tier are his earlier works followed by his later more elaborate works. What do you think of his evolution?




7 comments:

  1. It's interesting to see the evolution of an artist. I tend to prefer his later work. For some reason, the greater detail is really beautiful to me. Len

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  2. Hello dear friend! Good work!

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  3. I think "WOW". sz

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  4. I prefer the earlier work. The last image reminds me way too much of the cartoon Prince Valiant. jh

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  5. Imagine that! LW

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  6. His art is beautiful. Connie

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  7. Wow! Beautiful work! Art flows in the name! ;-)

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