Quincy Tahoma

Book excerpt: Finally, here is the first complete biography of the important Navajo painter, Quincy Tahoma (1917-1956). Over 260 beautiful full color images of his paintings complement the dramatic story told of his life and career as one of the best artists of his generation. Tahoma's life journey includes early adoption, recognition of his unique talent, and a meteoric rise to fame in the Santa Fe art world followed by alcoholism. Following research into spotty records, the authors completed this compelling true story through oral histories from over 50 people, most of whom knew Tahoma personally. This book includes his work from his formative years discovering art at the Santa Fe Indian School to his winning the coveted Philbrook Award. The paintings display the range of the artist's considerable talents, from the tranquil scene of a napping baby antelope to action-packed buffalo hunts. Many of the pieces shown in the book have never before been seen in public.