The abstract paintings of Emmi Whitehorse teem with enigmatic symbols inspired by Indigenous iconography. A member of the Navajo nation, Whitehorse depicts her intuitive understanding of land. Her canvases express a harmony of humanity with nature. The Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe mounted a 10-year survey in 1991 that celebrated her distinctive perspective of the Southwestern landscape. Drawing comparisons to Joan Miró, Whitehorse’s lexicon of symbols are born of her meditative drawing process, evoking microcosmic organisms and botanical forms. She often smears pigments by hand, resulting in soothing, atmospheric tones. She received her BFA and MFA from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque; she studied with Harmony Hammond, who encouraged her to paint at a larger scale. While best known for her paintings, Whitehorse also produces prints, including etchings and monotypes.
Source: Artsy