John Nieto

"I paint native American themes so I can step back in time and shine some light on those people - that culture. Through my artwork, I hope to show their humanity and their dignity." -Nieto

John Nieto is one of America’s most dynamic contemporary artists, concentrating on themes that transcend mere representation. He utilizes intense primary colors, applied in bold strokes to give dimension and character to the canvas. In his etchings and drawings, Nieto employs classic linear techniques to create images of great detail and depth. In all of Nieto’s art, sensitivity and respect for his subject are projected. He concentrates on capturing in his work his unique vision of the subjects he paints on canvases of vibrant, electric hues. The bold imagery of Nieto’s dynamic style is the essence of his art through which he seeks to evoke a reaction or response from the viewer. His art is a synthesis of his philosophy and his technical versatility, a powerful expression of pride and vitality. Nieto is unique among contemporary American artists. His personal philosophies are a vital element of his consummate style. Nieto states, “I employ a subject matter that is familiar and express it the way I see it”.

This is accomplished via his use of vibrant color and strong assertive line. The combination of his sensitivity with his technical versatility becomes the vehicle that allows him to transcend the ordinary. After participating in an exhibit at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. John met with President Reagan in the Oval Office of the White House and presented him with the painting “Delegate to the White House”. The painting hung in Washington for the duration of the President’s term in office and now has been included in the presidential library.

Nieto’s distinctive style, combination of subject matter, bold comparisons and searing color, is instantly recognizable and collectors throughout the United States and abroad prize his work. He has produced bronze sculptures, etchings, lithographs and silk- screen prints, in addition to drawings in pastel crayons and charcoal. The past several years, however, have been devoted almost exclusively to painting. In 1981 John participated by invitation in the “Salon d’Autumn” at the Grand Palais, Paris, France. In 1989 he mounted a one-man show at the Axis Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. Each summer he has an annual exhibition in Santa Fe, NM at Ventana Fine Art and Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, WY.

John Nieto’s family roots run deep in New Mexico, as it has been his ancestral birthplace for more than 300 years. John and his family have lived in various northern New Mexico towns and now reside in Texas.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2014, Altamira Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
2012, Nieto Fine Art, San Francisco, CA
2009 – Present, Altamira Fine Art, Jackson Hole, WY
2006 – 2008, Mountain Trails Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
1983-1996, J. Cacciola Gallery, New York, NY
1996, William Y. Clements Center for Southwest Studies at SMU, Dallas, TX
1995-2002, Adagio, Palm Springs, CA
1987 – Present, Ventana Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
1980-1986, Enthios Gallery, Santa Fe, NM 1980-1982, Savage Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
1989, Axis Gallery, One Man Show, Tokyo, Japan
1981, 10 Contemporary Artists, Taos, NM 1981, Kimball Art Center, “20th Century American Indian Artists” Park City, UT Pensacola Museum of Art “Native American Works” Pensacola, FL

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2011, Nieto Fine Art, San Francisco, CA
2010, Nieto Fine Art San Francisco, Grand Opening
2005/2008, Ventana 25th Anniversary All Artists Show, Santa Fe, NM
2005/2007, Ventana, All Artists, Small Works Show
1990 Art of Albuquerque, Group Exhibition, Museum of Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM
1985, 1992, Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach, CA Native American Invitational Exhibition, “Walk In Beauty” Santa Fe, NM
1982, Santa Fe Festival of the Arts

MUSEUMS/PUBLIC COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITS
2012 Art in Embassies program, Port Luis, Mauritiu
Buffalo Bill Museum/Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Cody, WY, permanent collectio
2009, Booth Western Art Museum, 6th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, John Nieto featured artist, Cartersville, G
2009, Booth Western Art Museum, Contemporary Visions of the West: The Art of John Niet
2008, Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences: The Southwestern Art Collection of Charles & Jeanette Gilchrist White, Peoria, IL, Exhibition & Catalogue
2007, Museum of Contemporary Art, permanent collection, Hot Springs Arkansa
2007, Booth Western Art Museum, acquisition permanent collection, Cartersville, GA
2005, Jackson Hole Museum, permanent collection, Jackson Hole, WY
2002, The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin, permanent collection
2002, “Peace and Loyalty,” commissioned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee,
“Olympic Power Suite,” commemorative artwork commissioned in honor of the games, Salt Lak
2001, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Poste
Capital Art Foundation, Santa Fe, NM, permanent collection New Mexico Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM, permanent collection 1993, University of Utah, Salt Lake City Museum, retrospective one-man show 1992, Lord and Taylor, Window Exhibit, New York, N
Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO, permanent collection
1985, Wheelwright Museum of Indian Art “John Nieto Retrospective”, Santa Fe, NM
1985, The Art of the Native American, Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Owensboro KY,
1984, Nabisco Show, Nabisco Corporate Headquarters, N
1984, Marine Corps Museum, “Iwo Jima,” 48"X 6O" canvas, permanent collection, Washington, DC
1983, Governor’s Gallery, State Capitol Building, Santa Fe, NM, One Man Show,
1983, The Heard Museum, Contemporary Native American, permanent collection, Phoenix, A
1982, Smithsonian Institution “American Indian Contemporary Art” Washington, D
1982, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Night of the First Americans” Washington, DC
1982, United States Embassy and the United States International Communications Agency, Barbados, 1982, Cabo Frio International Print Biennial, Brazil, 1981 , “Salon d’Automne,” Grand Palais, Paris, France 1981, Le Salon Des Nations a Paris, Centre International D’Art, Contemporain Paris, France 1980, Gallup Inter-tribal Ceremonials, Gallup, NM 1979, Philbrook Museum, Oklahoma 1961, Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Dallas, TX Institute of American Indian Art, Santa Fe, NM The Discovery Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL Museum and Art Center, Sylacauga, AL Arts and Science Museum, Statesville, NC National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, permanent collection
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, NJ, permanent collection
Senimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, NY, permanent collection
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY permanent collection
Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA, permanent collection

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