TRANSFIGURATIONS

MARK KINDSCHI       and       MARIANO CHAVEZ

Mark Kindschi's human and animal forms of forged and hammered steel portray "the interface between nature and the human species."  
(more Kindschi images)   

Mariano Chavez, Chicago based artist, uses wasp nests, beeswax, shed snakeskin and other organic and non-organic materials to create masks and figures that  powerfully resonate in their originality.   
(more Chavez images)

Mark KIndschi, "Scarecrow" (detail), forged and hammered steel, 78" x 62"

Mark Kindschi, "Dominant Species, Fish" forged and hammered steel, 72" (W) x 52" (H) x 24" (D)

Mark Kindschi, "Barracuda Table," glass and forged and hammered steel, 20 x 48 x 24 inches

Mariano Chavez, "The Caller" (detail)

Mariano Chavez, "Wasp Paper Mask"

Mariano Chavez, group of Masks

Long known as dealers in classic indigenous art, we have expanded into the realm of fine art, seeking the common thread between the genres.  Our curatorial intent is to show art and artifacts that share the motif or mysticism inherent in museum quality antique native American Art.   Plains Indian beaded regalia is shown alongside the contemporary animal totems of Mark Kindschi.  Historic Native American  masks enrich the recent snakeskin and honeycomb masks created by Mariano Chavez.  We compare contemporary master James Havard's strong figural paintings to ancient Inuit walrus ivory figurines, and Larissa Nowicki's sublime paper weavings to the classic beauty of 19th century Navajo textiles.  Hopi Kachina dolls are complimented by  the intricate bird drawings of Tony Fitzpatrick.  These cross cultural commonalities can be unexpected and obscure, but each work of art is enriched and reinforced by its company.