Reflections Introduction
Reflections: Taos Pueblo and the Photography of E. I. Couse, showcases the work of Taos Pueblo artists who created new and artistic responses to the photographs E. I. Couse (1866–1937). During his artistic career, Couse produced nearly 10,000 photographs. Approximately 6,000 of Couse’s images are of individuals from Taos Pueblo who were hired as models for his paintings.
In February 2023, artists from Taos Pueblo were invited to survey Couse’s photography collection and to engage in a roundtable discussion. Topics that were discussed included the content and value of the photographs; the relationships between Taos Pueblo and early European-trained artists who travelled to Taos; and the legacy, both positive and negative, of Taos Society of Artists (TSA). Most of the participants noted that members of their families had modeled for Couse and other TSA painters. Ceramic and pottery artist, Yellowbird Samora noted that viewing Couse’s photos “is like looking at a family scrapbook or photo album. It doesn’t all make sense. You may not know everyone but you are somehow related to it all. And our artwork becomes part of the ongoing conversation.”
Taos Pueblo artists and their responses to the portrayals of their ancestors, as interpreted by Couse and other artists of the era, is foregrounded in Reflections. The exhibition supports the continued commitment of Couse-Sharp Historic Site in fostering engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities whose cultural patrimony enlivens the visual narratives of Taos artists and comprises the archives and collections at the Site.
Excerpts of the artists’ statements cover a wide range of topics which include reflections on Couse’s images, the tumultuous relationship between Anglo American artists and Indigenous people, and the impact of non-Indigenous artists depicting Indigenous people.
Participating artists include:
Jenna Bass (painting)
Sean Rising Sun Flanagan (metal sculpture and traditional drum)
Ira Lujan (glass)
Jocelyn Martinez (painting)
Patricia Michaels (fashion)
Edna Romero (pottery)
Ken Romero (jewelry)
Yellowbird Samora (pottery)
Sonny Spruce (jewelry)
John Suazo (stone sculpture)
Ryan Suazo (painting)
Jonathan Warm Day Coming (painting)
Lyle Wright (jewelry)
Angie Yazzie (pottery)
Artwork in this exhibition is for sale. Please contact the Couse-Sharp Historic Site administration office for additional information. Telephone: 575.751.0369 and Email: admin@couse-sharp.org