This group of artworks, primarily drawn from the AMoA’s permanent collection, reflects various ways artists utilize the creative process to better understand the world around them and the world within. Please spend time with each piece to look closely and reflect on the artist’s intent and your own interpretations. Interact with the activities to make your own artworks to take home.

“The seat of the soul is where the inner world and outer world meet.”

— Joseph Campbell

Douglas Kent Hall

After moving to New Mexico, Douglas Kent Hall documented the diverse people and ceremonies of Native and Latin American communities. Los Matachines are groups of dancers influenced by a type of ceremonial dance that emerged in Spain during the 17th century. The masks dancers wear vary from community to community and person to person. They can represent characteristics of the individual and the individual’s faith.

Douglas Kent Hall (American, 1938-2008)
*Los Matachines – Amado,* 1982
Gelatin silver on paper

Deloss McGraw

Deloss McGraw often looks to literary works for inspiration. He is both a painter and an illustrator who tells stories through images. In this lithograph, titled *Leaving Home,* we see a poetic landscape existing somewhere between reality and a dream. The central theme seems to be of a home in flames and a figure being guided or ushered away by a winged figure. Although we recognize some elements and possible interpretations, the artist leaves the image open to multiple interpretations of loss and transformation.

Deloss McGraw (American, b. 1945)
Leaving Home, 1997
Five-color lithograph on paper

Ken Little

*Victory and Defeat*, a sculpture by the contemporary artist Ken Little is made of cast iron with a copper patina. The feet are large and heavy, which keeps them firmly grounded. The copper patina also shows the effect of time on the material; they could be old, or even ancient. The more you grow and move through life, the more accomplishments and challenges you face. As long as you persevere and move forward you will always arrive somewhere new.

Ken Little (American, b. 1947)
*Victory and Defeat*, 1997
Cast Iron with copper patima

Jim Dine

Jim Dine is an artist that has always approached his work in an autobiographical way. In an ongoing series of self-portraits, the artist looks directly at himself as the subject. As his facial features change with mood and age, the artist chronologically records the effects of time. Dine’s self-portraits are the result of the piercing gaze of the artist, excellent skills as a draftsman and a deep understanding of himself.

Jim Dine (American, b.1935)
*Dine in Black Grease,* 2001
Lithograph, pencil and crayon of paper

Grace Haritigan (American, 1922-2008) Madame Recamier, 2005 Oil on canvas — Grace Hartigan

Grace Hartigan’s version of the painting *Madame Recamier* by Jaques-Louis-David is one of many paintings she completed in homage to great artists of the past. She honors and respects important artworks from art history while at the same time reimagining the subject in her own style of painting.

Grace Haritigan (American, 1922-2008)
*Madame Recamier,* 2005
Oil on canvas