Photographer takes inspiration from murals around NM to create postcard book

Jan. 4—Robin Dunitz moved to New Mexico less than two years ago.

She immediately was inspired by the murals located all over the state.

As she came out of retirement to photograph these murals, she had an idea — highlight the murals made by Indigenous artists.

Within her research, she met Isleta and Jemez pueblo artist Deborah Jojola.

"I was meant to meet Deb because she taught me so much," Dunitz says.

As the pair started work, Dunitz learned the stories behind the murals from Jojola.

"Many of these murals are underappreciated," Dunitz says. "I was surprised at how involved Indigenous artists were all over the story."

Jojola says today's murals are in the same vein of petroglyphs.

"It's a way of communicating with the masses," Jojola says. "These are stories that have been passed on through generations. We have to be aware of these stories."

The pair put together the postcard book, "Walls of Resistance Wall of Pride: New Mexico Murals by Native Artists," which is available at local retail outlets.

Jojola says the 24 postcards showcase the powerful work of New Mexico's Indigenous muralists.

"They are a small selection of representing the diversity of themes, venues and styles of murals across the state," Jojola says. "I drive all over the state and I've seen many of these murals and wanted to be able to bring attention to the beauty of each one."

Among the 24 murals featured are two works from early Indigenous pioneers.

Santa Clara Pueblo's Pablita Velarde was the matriarch of a handful of women pueblo painters who achieved prominence decades ago.

Her mural, "Santa Clara Women Selling Pottery," which was painted in 1939 at the Maisel Trading Post on Central Avenue in Albuquerque.

In addition, Taos Pueblo's Pop Chalee's stylistic horses, mystical forests and animated deer, bears and pueblo scenes brought her fame.

"Her 1945 murals of horses and buffalo hunting gaze down at travelers in the main terminal of Albuquerque's International Sunport," Jojola says.

The book also includes contemporary murals from Zuni Pueblo and the Navajo Nation, as well as Gallup, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Española, Farmington, Shiprock and Albuquerque.

Jojola says now that the book is out, people will get a hint of what's out there.

"I hope people look at the history of the work," Jojola says. "I want people to use this book as a map to take a road trip and seek out the murals. It's a fun way to make new discoveries. These images and symbolism make their way across the lands. These messages are so important."

Jojola says Native artists are innovative and are breaking ground on various levels.

"Our voices are strong with messages that come from all directions," Jojola says. "We express our emotions of pride, spirituality, love, hurt and pain. Many of the murals found within this book are loud and clear, beautiful and prayerful. Some share creation stories, histories and experiences that are deeply rooted within our soul and from the profound universal dimensions of the cosmos. ... While many Native artists create symbolic images of this traditional past, we effectively transform new styles, designs and dialogue for a hopeful future."

Dunitz gave each of the artists books to sell on their own. She is also donating all of her proceeds to Native American non profits.

"I never went into this project to make money," she says. "I'm donating the money to organizations that will help Native artists continue to thrive."