Printing the Pueblo World: Juan Pino of Tay TsuÂ'geh Oweenge

Pino’s prints depict intimate moments of Pueblo life, including scenes of Tesuque Pueblo’s church, agricultural work, family life, and ceremonial dances. His work stands out for its authenticity, capturing the people and rituals of the community in ways that were rare for Native artists in the 1920s. These images are especially significant as they offer an unfiltered, yet respectful, portrayal of Pueblo culture at a time when such depictions were often marginalized or commercialized. 

In addition to his printmaking, Pino collaborated closely with his wife, Lorencita, a renowned Tesuque Pueblo potter. Their creative partnership is featured in the exhibition through two of their collaborative pottery works, which further highlight the couple’s shared artistic vision and cultural legacy. 

Pino was introduced to the medium of linoleum block printmaking in the fall of 1924. By March of 1925, his work was exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts, and throughout the late 1920s, Pino’s prints were showcased at several prestigious exhibitions, including the Santa Fe Fiesta’s Southwest Indian Fair. Unfortunately, as Pino’s art evolved and moved away from stereotypical representations, commercial success waned, but his later, more nuanced works remain a powerful testament to his artistic innovation and commitment to documenting Pueblo life.