Navajo artist R.C. Gorman, dubbed "the Picasso of American art", 74
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Renowned Navajo artist R.C. Gorman dies
TIM KORTE
The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Navajo artist R.C. Gorman, dubbed "the Picasso of
American art" by The New York Times, died Thursday. He was 74.
His death was announced by Gov. Bill Richardson at a news conference in
Santa Fe, and confirmed by his gallery and the hospital where he had
been since September.
Gorman, who had been ill with pneumonia, was surrounded by family and
friends when he died, according to a posting on his gallery's Web site.
Gorman was internationally renowned for paintings and sculptures of
graceful female figures, often depicted as generously sized and draped
in a blanket.
"His color and his whimsey, the way he celebrated Native American women
in particular, and the way he elevated the figures to an art form,
really, was tremendous," said New Mexico Cultural Affairs Secretary
Stuart Ashman.
He said Gorman will be remembered as "one of the greatest Native
American artists." He praised Gorman "not only for the quality of his
work but for his contributions toward putting Native American artists
into the mainstream of visual artists."
Gorman had been hospitalized about seven weeks.
His friend and agent, Virginia Dooley, said last month Gorman became
ill at his Taos home in September. He initially was hospitalized at
Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, then was moved to the University of New
Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.
Born Rudolph Carl Gorman in Chinle, Ariz., he was known as R.C.
throughout his career. He grew up on the Navajo reservation, the son of
Navajo Code Talker Carl Gorman.
Richardson once referred to Gorman as "the premier Indian artist of all
time, the Picasso of American Indians."
Gorman's work included an anthology of styles over the years. Some
featured Indian rugs, pottery and sand-painting motifs. Some were
mystical, surreal.
Services were pending.