The following article is a part of the Rahr-West Art Museum’s Art Forward series.
The Rahr-West Art Museum has two lithographs by the celebrated artist R.C. Gorman in the collection, thanks to the generosity of Ruth and John West. One print, Untitled, is currently on exhibit on the first floor of the historic house with other works that address identity. The other work, The Gossips, serves as inspiration for one of the upcoming 2022 utility box designs, which artist Kristen Lango will be painting in the next few weeks just east of Chewy’s Bar in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Untitled (Woman), lithograph, 1980, 1990.006.002, Gift of Mrs. John D. West
Navajo artist R.C. (Rudolph Carl) Gorman, was born on July 26, 1931 in Chinle, Arizona. He was a notable oil painter, lithographer, and sculptor. His paintings are mainly depictions of Indigenous women characterized by fluid forms and vibrant colors, features which can be seen in both works in the Rahr-West Art Museum’s collection.
Gorman attended reservation schools before joining the Navy in 1951. Interestingly, his father, Carl Nelson Gorman, was one of the original Navajo code talkers that developed unbreakable code used in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Carl was also an artist and illustrator and R.C.’s grandmother was a celebrated weaver.
Later, R.C. Gorman traveled to Mexico and was influenced by the Mexican masters, such as famed painter Diego Rivera. Gorman later studied at Mexico City College with the help of a scholarship from the Navajo People. After his year in Mexico, he opened a studio in San Francisco and modeled for art classes to help with expenses.
Gorman eventually settled in New Mexico and much of his work was deeply influenced by his life there. In 1998 Gorman explained that growing up, his “family was rich in artistic talent and creative spirit, but not in material possessions.” He went on to explain his success:
The Gossips, lithograph, 1977, 1990.006.003, Gift of Mrs. John D. West
“I have been fortunate to live and work in the beautiful Taos Valley, an environment also rich in artistry and tradition. The spirit of Taos has encouraged and inspired me, and my focus as an artist matured here. I’m truly grateful to my friends, drinking buddies, family, patrons, and my loyal staff—all of whom have made my way of life here possible. Thanks for sharing the light.” (https://rcgormannavajogallery.com/the-artist/)
Overall Gorman’s work was warmly received by collectors and critics. The New York Times called him “the Picasso of American Indian artists.” He was the only living artist to be included in the 1973 “Masterworks from the Museum of the American Indian” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum, a coup followed by his inclusion in the 1976 American Indian Artist series on PBS. Many celebrities collected his work, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Andy Warhol not only owned his work but also painted Gorman several times.
R.C. Gorman passed away in 2005 but left behind a plethora of work which is featured in many museum collections, including the Heard Museum, The National Museum of the American Indian, and, of course, The Rahr-West Art Museum.
Visit the website of the R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery at rcgormannavajogallery.com to learn more about Gorman and see his other work. Other contemporary indigenous artists are currently featured in the Rahr-West Art Museum’s John West Gallery through July 31, 2021 as part of the No More Stolen Sisters and Culture and Community exhibits. See rahrwestartmuseum.org for information on exhibits, events, and museum hours.
