Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Presents

 A century ago, Tesuque Pueblo artist Juan Pino was introduced to linoleum block printing, transforming the medium into a unique expression of Pueblo life. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) proudly presents, Printing the Pueblo World: Juan Pino of Tay Tsu’geh Oweenge, an exhibition showcasing 20 of Pino’s extraordinary linocut prints, offering a window into daily life in Tesuque Pueblo. This exhibit opens Sunday, Dec.15, 2024 at 3 p.m. pm featuring a tour with Mark Mitchell, grandson of Juan Pino, former Tesuque governor, and contributor to the exhibit.

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.

"Juan Pino’s prints offer a rare and invaluable look at Pueblo life in the early 20th century, preserving cultural moments that might have otherwise been forgotten," said Tony Chavarria, curator at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. "His ability to capture everyday people and their world, with such honesty and respect, speaks to both the timelessness and the particularity of Pueblo traditions. His work is as much about the Pueblo way of life as it is about an artist’s deep, personal connection to that life."

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.

This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of Juan Pino and immerse oneself in the rich traditions of Tesuque Pueblo.