I've been looking forward to the release of this Quincy Tahoma book. Authors, Vera Badertscher and Charnell Havens have been blogging about all things Quincy for months and enticing us with tidbits from this well-researched book.
I received the book and thought I'd be able to review it within a week. But I'm still reading it and admiring the art. Why? Actually, Quincy Tahoma is three books in one. It is a beautiful coffee table book with nicely reproduced full-page pictures of Quincy's action-filled art. Second, it's a biography of the artist, a biography that mirrors the life histories of so many Navajo artists. And third, it's a great reference book with thorough bibliography and index.
About Quincy Tahoma
Navajo painter, Quincy Tahoma was born in 1917 and was educated in art at the Santa Fe Indian School. He rose to fame as a Native American painter and then, sadly, met his decline through alcohol abuse. He died in 1956.
Quincy Tahoma painted in the style that is familiar to those who love the Indian art of the 30's. He painted everyday Navajo scenes as well as thrilling depictions of events such as a buffalo hunt.
Why You Will Enjoy this Book
In this book, you will see Quincy Tahoma art never before shown. You'll learn about the social history of the time when Tahoma painted and come away with a greater appreciation for Native American art as well as the struggles experienced by the Navajo people.
The research is thorough, the authors are careful not to mislead (stories told about Tahoma's life are carefully labeled stories vs. facts), and the information is written in an engaging style.
It's not a quick read. The book is jam packed with information, footnotes and references. But for visual people like me, the book is most valuable as a collection of beautiful paintings within a cultural context.
Purchase Quincy Tahoma: The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist online. The book can also be purchased at independent bookstores, museums stores, art galleries, the Schiffer web site and and on the Tahoma blog.
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