Awa Tsireh (painter)
Awa Tsireh, also known as Alfonso Roybal, was a prominent painter from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, recognized for his significant contributions to Native American art. From a young age, he demonstrated artistic talent, initially drawing inspiration from his environment and family, particularly through his mother’s pottery. After formal schooling, he honed his skills in watercolor painting under the guidance of his uncle, Crescencio Martínez, who was involved in documenting Pueblo ceremonies. Tsireh's artwork, characterized by meticulous detail and a whimsical approach, garnered the attention of influential figures, including anthropologist Edgar Hewett, leading to numerous exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe. Notably, he had a successful solo exhibition at the Newberry Library in Chicago in 1925 and won first prize at the Exposition of Indian Tribal Arts in 1931. Despite his travels, Tsireh remained devoted to his Pueblo roots and continued painting throughout his life, achieving lasting recognition as one of the most celebrated Pueblo artists. His legacy is a reflection of the blending of traditional practices with modern influences in Native American art.
Awa Tsireh (painter)
Category: Artist, painter
Tribal affiliation: San Ildefonso Pueblo
Significance: Alfonso Roybal, who signed his paintings Awa Tsireh, gained widespread recognition as a painter during the 1920’s and 1930’s; his paintings are included in many major museum collections
As a child in San Ildefonso Pueblo, Awa Tsireh sometimes painted pottery made by his mother, Alfonsita Martínez. Even before attending San Ildefonso Day School, where he was given drawing materials, Tsireh made sketches of animals and ceremonial dances. After completing day school, he began painting watercolors with his uncle, Crescencio Martínez, who, in 1917, was commissioned by anthropologist Edgar Hewett to paint a series of depictions of ceremonies held at San Ildefonso.
Awa Tsireh’s meticulously precise but sometimes whimsical paintings attracted the attention of Edgar Hewett and other influential art patrons in nearby Santa Fe. Hewett hired him to paint at the Museum of New Mexico; in 1920, Tsireh’s work was included in exhibitions of Indian art at the Society of Independent Artists in New York and at the Arts Club of Chicago. In 1925, his paintings were exhibited in a one-man show at the Newberry Library in Chicago. In 1931, he won first prize at the opening of the Exposition of Indian Tribal Arts in New York, a show that went on to tour major cities in the United States and Europe.
Tsireh traveled frequently but made San Ildefonso his home for life. Around the time of his death, he was still painting and continued to be among the most popular of Pueblo painters.