about this show...
This series represents another phase in a developing art essay on New Mexico that began in 2005 with my first visit there. So much can be said about New Mexico. Its rare cultural plurality has profound relevance as we approach the deepest point in a process of global cultural homogenization that began five hundred years ago with the European incursions into Africa and the Americas. On the human psychological level mass cultural extinctions are equivalent in consequence to the mass extinction of species and loss of diversity within the biosphere though all the more dangerous to us because its consequences are completely unrecognized. As a species we are at least dimly aware that the loss of diversity within the biosphere may be harmful to us, but not so when it comes to the loss of diversity in human culture. On the contrary, we are falsely comforted by a mistaken belief that the accelerated transmission of the dominant culture's materialistic philosophy and values throughout the world via communications technology is a good thing. As the process of cultural homogenization deepens within our own country the cultural diversity that still characterizes New Mexico serves as a critical cultural reference point for those seeking ways to redress the balance within themselves and their communities.
Part two of this series, entitled "Images of the Tsankawi Mesa", is a deepening personal exploration in paint and digital media of the complex relationship between Native American indigenous spirituality, orthodox Christianity and the spiritual void of modernism. Part one of this series, a photographic essay, may viewed by clicking on this link: http://www.studio11arts.com/NewMexico/NewMexico2.htm. This particular show contains one original painting seen at the top of the page entitled, "New Moon Over the Tsankawi Mesa". The twelve or so images that follow were all created digitally in the computer using a photograph of the original painting.
Blessings and enjoy the show!
Denise Marts
Redmond, Washington
2008
425-802-1945
© copyright 2008, Denise C. Marts, all rights reserved