EMMI WHITEHORSE

- EMMI WHITEHORSE -

Navajo, 1957—

Emmi Whitehorse is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to the world of Contemporary Native American Art. Her work is deeply rooted in her Diné (Navajo) heritage and reflects a unique blend of traditional and contemporary artistic elements. Born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, Whitehorse's life journey and artistic career have been marked by a profound connection to the land, culture, and the constant exploration of her identity. The artist earned a BA with a Major in Painting from the University of New Mexico in 1980. Throughout this education, she was exposed to various artistic influences, but it was her return to the Diné reservation that truly shaped her unique artistic voice.

Emmi Whitehorse’s paintings are characterized by a rich, layered complexity that captures the essence of the landscapes, stories, and memories of her upbringing. The use of color in contrast to a delicate interplay of light and shadow make her work visually captivating and emotionally evocative. Her masterful mark making further transforms these delicate compositions into a vast conversation between organic materials, animal life and the environment we all inhabit. 

Emmi Whitehorse was recently highlighted to critical acclaim in the Arsenale during the 2024 Venice Biennale. Her work is held in many of the world’s most prestigious institutional collections including, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Denver Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum and the National Gallery of Art, among many other major institutions.