R.C. Gorman (1932 – 2005) painted women whose natural beauty permeated their radiant desert surroundings. Raised in a traditional Navajo hogan in Arizona, Gorman originally created his artworks in sand, mud, and on rocks. He later achieved international acclaim for his lyrical, vibrantly colored paintings of full-figured Native American women. Often called “the Picasso of Indian art,” the artist was strongly influenced by the imagery of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Gorman was the first Native American to open an art gallery, making dramatic inroads for fellow Native American artists.

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