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John Nieto, who has Hispanic and Native American ancestry, depicted the dress and movement of a Fancy Dancer in this painting. The traditional Native American dance and avant-garde techniques depicted combine Nieto’s heritage with his artistic training in both America and Europe. He is one of the most dynamic contemporary Native artists and his art has helped bring Native art into the contemporary art world.
Artist
John Nieto
(1936 - 2018)
Fancy Dancer
Date1988
MediumAcrylic on canvas
DimensionsSight: 60 × 48 in. (152.4 × 121.9 cm)
Object numberN0008.2008
Credit LineCollection of the Fenimore Art Museum. Gift of Ms. Judy Hansen
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextSome traditional Native American practices were banned by the American government in the nineteenth century to force Native peoples to assimilate into “mainstream” American society. To avoid punishment, tribes took practices underground and created new traditions, including the Fancy Dance, to preserve their heritage. Still popular today, the dance is performed at pow wows across America.John Nieto, who has Hispanic and Native American ancestry, depicted the dress and movement of a Fancy Dancer in this painting. The traditional Native American dance and avant-garde techniques depicted combine Nieto’s heritage with his artistic training in both America and Europe. He is one of the most dynamic contemporary Native artists and his art has helped bring Native art into the contemporary art world.
On View
On viewc. 1926
