Frank La Pena
Frank La Pena (1937–2019) was a member of the Nisenan Maidu and Numu (Northern Paiute) tribes, known for his vibrant paintings and masterful prints
Born: 1937, San Francisco, California
Died: 2019, San Francisco, California
Full ProfileValue Indicators
Recognition
This Native American artist and professor influenced generations of artists to embrace their heritage. His works have been exhibited across Europe, South America, Cuba, Australia, and New Zealand.
Intent
This work depicts LaPena returning from his Indian boarding school to his community of traditions. Providing the viewer with a sense of the beauty both of the ritual dance and the world in which everything takes place.
Composition
Colorful lithograph capturing the spirit dancing across a cerulean blue sky vividly flowing into night.
Ceres Take
Powerful artwork across silversmithing, photography, and woodworking mediums.
PARENT TECHNIQUE
Lithograph
Lithography is a form of pinrtmaking anchored on the principle of oil and water repelling each other. It involves drawing or painting an image onto a smooth, flat surface, traditionally a stone, using a greasy medium like crayon or ink. The surface is then treated with a chemical solution to...
