Arthur López, born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is proud to be working in the long tradition of New Mexican Santero artists. His high attention to detail has garnered him many awards and he is highly esteemed as one of New Mexico’s most popular Santero wood sculptures. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Santa Fe’s Mayor’s Award for excellence in the Arts and, in 2017, he received The Folk Art Society of Americas Award of Distinction for offering a leading contemporary style, in both design and concept, to the Santero Tradition.
López’s work is inspired by his faith and although the majority of his work depicts Saints, he believes in the power of using traditional methods and a contemporary lens to connect to audiences of all beliefs. He strives to transcend the bounds of the traditional Santero and use his art to highlight and embody his culture and community. López has exhibited in numerous shows throughout the Southwest and is in many prominent museum collections throughout the country. His work has recently been exhibited internationally at the 2nd International Triennial of Kogei, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, Song of the West at Kohi Kulturraum in Karlsruhe, Germany and The Saints From a Land So Remote at LAProjects in Landshut, Germany.
Portrait photo courtesy artist.
López’s work is inspired by his faith and although the majority of his work depicts Saints, he believes in the power of using traditional methods and a contemporary lens to connect to audiences of all beliefs. He strives to transcend the bounds of the traditional Santero and use his art to highlight and embody his culture and community. López has exhibited in numerous shows throughout the Southwest and is in many prominent museum collections throughout the country. His work has recently been exhibited internationally at the 2nd International Triennial of Kogei, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, Song of the West at Kohi Kulturraum in Karlsruhe, Germany and The Saints From a Land So Remote at LAProjects in Landshut, Germany.
Portrait photo courtesy artist.
Donor -This award was generously supported by The Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation.
This artist page was last updated on: 07.08.2024
Giddy-Up!, 2018. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 16 x 13 x 9.5 inches.
Santa Lucia, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 21 x13 x8 inches.
Murder Witnesses, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 17.5 × 17.5 × 13 inches.
Mater Dolorosa, 2017. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 57 x 14.5 x 14.5 inches.
Cowboy Hat Trick, 2018. Wood, natural and water color pigments, varnish, beeswax, 14 x 13 x 11 inches.