Begay's process is influenced by his connectedness to nature and his Navajo identity. His loose impressionistic rhythmic brush strokes are visible in his desert vistas and compelling skies. He likens his artistic process to a “visual chant,” with each of his strokes being a syllable of a word that contributes to the overall prayer of the composition. This new body of work covers the range of emotions brought on by experiences throughout Begay's life. Drawing on the joys of childhood summers on the reservation, his survival of a brutal government boarding school, and enduring the complications that COVID-19 brought upon the Navajo population, he portrays the emotions from these experiences in these new compositions.
Modern West is honored to announce a solo exhibition debuting 20 new works by Shonto Begay in A World of Light, January 20th through March 4, 2023. This work is an examination of Begay’s emotions and trauma that range from joy to despair, evident through his compelling use of color capturing light through his signature approach. An opening reception to celebrate his works will be held January 20, 2023, from 6-8 PM. The artist will be in attendance and all are invited to join.
Begay's process is influenced by his connectedness to nature and his Navajo identity. His loose impressionistic rhythmic brush strokes are visible in his desert vistas and compelling skies. He likens his artistic process to a “visual chant,” with each of his strokes being a syllable of a word that contributes to the overall prayer of the composition. This new body of work covers the range of emotions brought on by experiences throughout Begay's life. Drawing on the joys of childhood summers on the reservation, his survival of a brutal government boarding school, and enduring the complications that COVID-19 brought upon the Navajo population, he portrays the emotions from these experiences in these new compositions.
Begay received his Associates of Fine Art from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California College of Arts and Crafts. In 2017, he was an Artist in Residence at Northern Arizona University. Begay’s artwork has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions including at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Arizona State Museum, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the American Indian Contemporary Arts Museum, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Booth Western Art Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum among others. His work is featured in numerous private and public collections.
