Parfleche Native American parfleche are the original manifestation of abstract art. These colorful designs, painted in a specific tradition that insists upon a certain form yet allows for infinite creativity, are an indigenous representation of what the mainstream culture took another hundred years to showcase on their own. These utilitarian objects, used for carrying food stuffs, clothing, what-have-you, celebrate the same geometric elements found in beadwork and other mediums. Their utilitarian form provide a sculpture to showcase the artist's interpretation of a traditional motif. The patina of age gives these examples, which all pre-date the first World War, a depth of surface. The hide itself over time takes on a honeyed quality that at its best almost glows. The variety of these examples, all of which come from an area bordered on the west by the mountains of Washington and the east by the mountains of Montana, are a reminder of the creativity fostered by the traditional arts. –John Molloy		594 Broadway, Suite 205A New York, NY 10012 212.219.9822 current exhibition   about   calendar   directions   contact Transmontane Parfleche Blackfeet Parfleche Transmontane Parfleche Transmontane Parfleche Crow Parfleche Transmontane Parfleche Transmontane Parfleche
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