Pablita Velarde, Helen Hardin, Erin Currier, Emi Yang,
Robin Jones, Kathryn Stedham, Susan Contreras,
Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, and Peggy McGivern
April 25 – August 22, 2025
East Rotunda Gallery, State Capitol, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Curated by Cynthia Sánchez, Ph.D., Director, Capitol Art Foundation, Curator, Capitol Art Collection
Special thanks to: Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico & Evoke Contemporary, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Curator’s Statement
Figurative art describes any form of modern art that has strong references to the real world, particularly the human figure. Styles can range from realism to abstraction and surrealism.
In the history of modern art in the twentieth century, early roots of figurative art can be traced back historically to such masters as Pablo Picasso (painting, post 1920’s) and to Alberto Giacometti (sculpture, post 1940’s).
In New Mexico’s history of contemporary art, Pablita Velarde (1918-2006), was the spearhead of figurative art around the same time. She defied the cultural boundaries of traditional artistic expression as a painter when women were encouraged to do other things. She was the first full time woman painter in the Dorothy Dunn School of Art at the Santa Fe Indian School. Her daughter Helen Hardin (1943-1984), also continued this legacy of painting, as did Helen Hardin’s daughter Margarete Bagshaw (1964-2015), and also as her daughter Helen Tindel continues to do presently.
Both Pablita Velarde and Helen Hardin, created a trodden path not only for Margarete Bagshaw and her daughter Helen Tindel, but for the other artists represented here. This exhibition is a sampling of the unending diversity in the realm of figurative expression. An array of style, technique, and vision attest to the individualistic nature of this theme.
Whether it’s a Mardi Gras masquerade by Susan Contreras, a subtle premonition by Robin Jones, a narrative portrait by Erin Currier, the serenity of a dream by Rimi Yang, a whimsical gesture by Peggy McGivern, or a reclamation of the wild through story by Irene Hardwicke Olivieri; what is evident and boldly celebrated in this exhibition; is the splendor and wonder of a blazing, vibrant historical gaze through the minds and hearts of these artists. Essentially what is manifested is “Honey In The Desert.” (Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, 2024, oil on ponderosa pine with teddy bear cholla cactus skeletons, rusty metal, 62 x 17)
Cynthia Sánchez, Ph.D., Curator, Capitol Art Collection
Director, Capitol Art Foundation
