DY Begay (Diné, b. 1953), “Intended Vermillion,” 2015. Wool with plant, insect, and synthetic dyes, 49 x 37 ½ in. Denver Art Museum: Commissioned and funded by Kent and Elaine Olson for the Denver Art Museum, 2015.266
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall opens “Sublime Light: The Tapestry Art of DY Begay” Sept. 20. The exhibition, which will be on view through July 13, 2025, celebrates more than three decades of innovation by fiber artist DY Begay (Diné [Navajo], b. 1953). The first major retrospective of her work, it highlights 48 of her most remarkable tapestries.
Begay’s tapestry art is at once fundamentally modern and essentially Diné, each work an exploration of the artist’s passion for experiencing and interpreting her world. The primary world that Begay explores is Tsélaní, her birthplace and homeland on the Navajo Nation reservation. From this firm foundation, her innate and lifelong curiosity has motivated her to investigate the expressive power of color and design in developing her distinctive aesthetic.
Begay creates unique artworks that bridge her traditional Diné upbringing and experimental fiber art practice. Through her embrace of color, passion for design and innovative handling of fiber, Begay creates art that expresses a non-Western way of being to a contemporary audience.
“Sublime Light” was curated by Cécile R. Ganteaume of the National Museum of the American Indian; Jeanne Brako, curator, art conservator and scholar; and Jennifer McLerran, curator and art history professor emeritus at Northern Arizona University.
The museum will host a media preview Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. Media interested in attending should RSVP to NMAIpressoffice@si.edu.
An accompanying audio guide will be available in English and Spanish.
The accompanying catalog is edited by Ganteaume and McLerran, with contributions by Begay, America Meredith, Jennifer Nez Denetdale, Ganteaume and McLerran. This is the first book dedicated to the contemporary Diné artist, featuring 80 stunning tapestries and essays exploring her life and legacy.
In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The museum strives toward equity and social justice for the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration and empowerment. Through two locations, it features exhibitions and programs in New York City and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media @SmithsonianNMAI.
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