Mateo Romero (artist) facts for kids

Mateo Romero (born 1966) is a talented Native American painter. He was born in Berkeley, California. He is a member of the Cochiti Pueblo, an Indigenous community in New Mexico.

About Mateo Romero's Background

Mateo Romero was born on December 9, 1966. His father, Santiago Romero, was also an artist from the Cochiti Pueblo. Mateo's mother is Nellie Guth. His grandmother, Teresita Chavez Romero, was a traditional ceramic artist. She was known for making clay figurines and useful jars called ollas. Mateo's Indian name is He-tse-tewa, which means "War Shield."

Mateo Romero's Art Career

Mateo Romero studied art at several places. He attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. There, he learned from artists like Varujan Boghosian and Frank Moss. He also briefly studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Later, he earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in printmaking from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Developing His Unique Painting Style

In 2002, Mateo further developed his painting skills. He was a Dubin Fellow at the School for Advanced Research. In 2008, he was chosen as the poster artist for the SWAIA Indian Market. This is a very important event for Native American artists.

Mateo started painting scenes that tell stories. These stories often show what life is like for Pueblo people today. His paintings explore different themes. For example, he has created art about Indian Gaming, which refers to casinos run by Native American tribes. He also made a series called "Voices at Wounded Knee," which relates to a significant historical event.

Exploring New Art Techniques

Mateo began to use mixed media in his art. This means he combines different materials. He started working with old photographs. His "Dancers" series uses a special technique he created. It involves adding asphalt to the surface of his paintings. This gives his artwork a unique look and texture.

Romero's art has been shown in important exhibitions. His work was part of "Stretching the Canvas: Eight Decades of Native Painting." This exhibit was held from 2019 to 2021. It was at the National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center in New York.

Mateo Romero's Family Life

Mateo Romero lives in Pojoaque Pueblo. He lives there with his wife, Melissa. They have three children named Rain, Povi, and Erik. Mateo's brother, Diego Romero, is also a successful artist.

Art Collections Featuring Mateo Romero

Mateo Romero's artwork is held in important collections. One place where his art can be found is the Peabody Essex Museum.