Commentary: Indian art collection on display a true treasure

Thursday, September 1, 2011  

"When I saw a shiny white painted parka made out of the innards of a seal at the Art of the American Indian exhibition, I stopped me in my tracks. I was dumbfounded. First, who would even think of it; then, how would someone know how to use the intestinal linings in this way, and to boot, make something beautiful that would keep you warm in the coldest clime.

That's the core of this exhibition, all the stunning handmade works by American Indians from as far north as Alaska and south to Florida. The collection has a sensitivity way beyond the commonplace Native American art we regularly see in the southwest. The eye of the collector makes The Thaw Collection an impactful treasure. As an eclectic art dealer from New York City, Eugene Thaw handled everything from Renaissance prints to Impressionist paintings and European bronzes. When he and his wife Clare moved to Santa Fe hired to evaluate Georgia O'Keefe's estate in 1987, he became attracted to the native art of the area.

In just 25 years, they amassed a collection of over 800 pieces, each more spiritual than the next."

Get the Story:
Joan Davidow: Art Of The American Indian (KERA/Public Broadcasting 9/1)

Review: Couple's Indian art collection retains spirituality (4/21)