Renowned Navajo artist R.C. Gorman dies in New Mexico

[sundancekid]

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/34600.html

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Famed 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. "New Mexico loses a great citizen and the world loses a great artist," Richardson said.

Gorman, who had been ill with a blood infection and pneumonia, was surrounded by family and friends when he died at 12:20 p.m. at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Gorman was internationally renowned for paintings and sculptures of graceful female figures, often depicted as generously sized and draped in a blanket. "I revere women. They are my greatest inspiration," Gorman told The Associated Press in a 1998 interview at his studio north of Taos.

His work was collected by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Andy Warhol, among others.
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[sundancekid]

1. services will be posted at the website listed below

http://rcgormangallery.com/

[Xavius]

2. He will certainly be missed

I've seen his art all over the Southwest. He had amazing, amazing artwork.

[newyawker99]

11. Hi Xavius!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Syncronaut Seven]

3. I have 3 of his prints on my walls.

Big girls and chile peppers, Mmmmm.. good.

he will be sorely missed.

[aquart]

4. Noooo!

74 is too young. I didn't know he was the son of a code talker.

[alittlelark]

5. Growing up in NM his artwork struck a chord in me.

He created pieces of art that I saw mirrored all around me. He was unique in his ability to merge the beauty of the high desert with human emotions. I am saddened, and will spend some time w/ my art books tonight.

[CornField]

6. Such sad news

I love his work. He just seemed to have a love of women and was able to paint them still life, but in a way that they seemed to flow. My favorite is "Blessing Way"

[Ben Ceremos]

7. "Picasso of American art"...

seems the least apt description of his work. The stylistic variation, the distortion and abstraction, the visual violence and fracturing characteristic of Picasso is entirely absent in Gorman's work. I lived in New mexico for several years and saw much R.C. had produced. His work evokes solitude, stability and strength. Picasso achieved such sensitivity and strength only in his portraits and neo-classical period. I don't understand the logic of defining Gorman by using a measuring stick that reveals little more than that Picasso and Gorman were both visual artists. Thank you R. C. Gorman for your contribution to making our world a more gentle and beautiful place through your art.

[peacefreak]

8. Very sad news.

The beauty of his soul was reflected in his work.

[all.of.me]

9. he lived across the street from me

thanks for posting this. i had not heard yet. curious to see what will happen to his property, lots of empty acreage between my place and his.

[leesa]

10. The man brought a lot of power and beauty to the earth. Thank you

Mr Gorman.

[Colorado Blue]

12. He'll be remembered always.