Artist

Oqwa Pi

born San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM 1899-died Los Alamos, NM 1971
Also known as
  • Abel Sanchez
  • Red Cloud
  • Oqua Pi
Born
San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, United States
Died
Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States
Active in
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Biography

An active member of San Ildefonso's political and social life, Oqwa Pi served as both lieutenant governor and governor of the pueblo. The figures in his paintings are highly stylized and the faces are made up of geometric design. The artist once explained:

As I found that painting was the best among my talents, I decided to do my best to win me fame as an Indian artist. … I have raised a big healthy family, for my painting brought in good income.

Andrew Connors Pueblo Indian Watercolors: Learning by Looking, A Study Guide (Washington, D.C.: National Museum of American Art, 1993).

Works by this artist (3 items)

Reuben Nakian, Unfinished Carving of Dahlov Zorach, ca. 1927, marble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift from the collection of the Zorach children, 1976.145.23
Unfinished Carving of Dahlov Zorach
Artist
Dateca. 1927
marble
Not on view
Reuben Nakian, Untitled, 1959-1960, terra cotta, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Philip M. Stern, 1978.54.2
Untitled
Artist
Date1959-1960
terra cotta
Not on view
Reuben Nakian, Dahlov Sitting with Crossed Legs, ca. 1927, cast and stained plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift from the collection of the Zorach children, 1976.145.22
Dahlov Sitting with Crossed Legs
Artist
Dateca. 1927
cast and stained plaster
Not on view