Show Preview | Nocona Burgess

Santa Fe, NM
Giacobbe-Fritz Fine Art, August 19-September 2

Nocona Burgess, Jackson Sundown, acrylic, 40 x 30.

This story was featured in the August 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art August 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

In what has become an annual tradition at Giacobbe-Fritz Fine Art, Comanche painter Nocona Burgess presents a solo show of new work during the weekend that coincides with the ever-popular Santa Fe Indian Market. The show opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, August 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Burgess has painted American Indian cowboys in the past, but in this show he is exploring the fascinating subject in much greater depth than ever before with 15 paintings that explore the theme. Historic photographs serve as his references for these portraits. At the turn of the 20th century, Burgess says, these cowboys were living in a time of transition. Native American warriors and hunters were skilled horsemen, but they were forced to find new ways to survive in a changing world. To make a living, they worked on ranches, in rodeos, and in Wild West shows as cowboys, the ultimate symbol of the American West. These cowboys, however, have long braids beneath their Stetsons. In Burgess’ skilled hands, they are rendered in full western costumes against graphic, contemporary backgrounds.

Burgess aims to unearth these figures from the depths of history and lend them presence and context in today’s world. “This is a time when they weren’t looked at as human beings. They were wild savages and a vanishing race,” he says of his subject matter. To lend humanity, he adds, “I always try to find their names and tribes, so I can tell people that. I want to educate people. I always want it to be more than just a great painting. I want people to remember the story behind each piece.”

Burgess, a longtime gallery regular, has a personal passion that connects him to works like these. “He’s a person of history,” says gallery owner Deborah Fritz, noting that Burgess is the grandson and son of Comanche chiefs and an artist who often relies on historical narratives and references. “He’s creating works from his heritage that are sometimes very specific people. He wants the viewer to know that this person existed and to bring the person into the contemporary world through his artwork.” —Ashley M. Biggers

contact information
505.986.1156
www.giacobbefritz.com