Oqwa Pi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oqwa Pi
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| Born | 1899 San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, U.S.
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| Died | 1971 (aged 71–72) Los Alamos, New Mexico, U.S.
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| Other names | Abel Sanchez, Red Cloud, Ogwa-Pi, Oqua Pi, Aqua Pi, Kachina Stick |
| Occupation | painter, muralist, politician |
Oqwa Pi (also known as Red Cloud or Kachina Stick) was an important Native American artist and leader. His English name was Abel Sanchez (1899–1971). He was from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. Oqwa Pi was famous for his bright and colorful paintings. He also served as the governor of his Pueblo community for six terms.
Contents
Oqwa Pi: A Pueblo Artist and Leader
Early Life and Education
Oqwa Pi was born in 1899 in the San Ildefonso Pueblo, which is called P'ohwhóge Owingeh in the Tewa language. This is a community in New Mexico. He went to the Santa Fe Indian School. There, he learned how to create beautiful watercolor paintings and large wall paintings called murals. He studied art with a teacher named Dorothy Dunn. The school was so impressed with his talent that they asked him to paint murals for them. After his schooling, he returned to his Pueblo, got married, and had several children.
His Unique Art Style
Oqwa Pi's paintings are part of a special Native American art movement called the San Ildefonso school. This group of self-taught artists created art between 1900 and 1935. Oqwa Pi often painted scenes of festivals, dances, and traditional ceremonies. His son, Gilbert, who was also a painter, said that Oqwa Pi painted spiritual dances. He made sure his art showed the spirituality respectfully.
In 1931, Oqwa Pi's art was shown in a big exhibition in New York City. This helped his work travel and be seen across the country. Some of his paintings were even displayed at the famous Museum of Modern Art. You can still see one of his murals in the dining room at the Santa Fe Indian School.
A Leader for His People
Besides being a talented artist, Oqwa Pi was also a politician. He served as the governor of the San Ildefonso Pueblo for six terms. A governor is a leader who helps make decisions and guide the community.
Later in his life, Oqwa Pi and his wife moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He passed away in 1971 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. His artistic talent continued through his family. Two of his sons, Gilbert Sánchez and Ramos Sánchez, became painters. His grandson, Russell Sánchez, is also an artist who paints and makes pottery.
Where to See His Art
Oqwa Pi's amazing artwork is kept in many museums. Some of these include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. His paintings are also in the Brooklyn Museum, Ackland Art Museum, and Denver Art Museum.
See also
