Waking Dream: Works by Navajo Artist Melanie Yazzie

Waking Dream: Works by Navajo Artist Melanie Yazzie

March 26 through July 14, 2024

“Often in life we wait till we fall asleep to dream. I on the other hand live in a space where much of what I make and see in my work comes from dreams that are ever present. Many come when I am doing my morning walks and being in a calm space of beginning my day. I work at finding calm and peace and begin to create what brings this to me.

So, I find that sharing this part of me brings good into the world. I share it in my work and try hard to focus on balance. There is so much unbalance and sadness in the world and not many places for good and for happiness. The work I make is about this space. Creating a space for us to be filled with colors and with calm.”

-Melanie A. Yazzie

Melanie Yazzie (Navajo) works in a wide range of media that include printmaking, painting, sculpting, and ceramics, as well as installation art. Her art is accessible to the public on many levels and the main focus is on connecting with and educating people about the contemporary status of one indigenous woman and hoping that people can learn from her experience. Her subject matter is significant because the serious undertones reference native post-colonial dilemmas. Her work often brings images of women from many indigenous cultures to the forefront. Thus her work references matrilineal systems and points to the possibility of female leadership. “There are many layers to the works and within the story, many discover that our history is varied and deep. It is made clear that there are many indigenous peoples in the world and we all have different stories and it sometimes has a sad connection to mainstream society. Often misunderstood and overlooked are the ways in which we can all learn from each other and make a better world.” She has been represented by Glenn Green Galleries since 1993.