Spectators
Spectators
A Story by Piro Pueblo Artist Tonio LeFebre
Curated by Annie Drysdale
In Pueblo, Indian tradition spectatorship of important events transpired over time. Initially, events of significant value were only witnessed or experienced by those deemed the spiritual guides of the community. Murals and cave drawings depicting events were created by the shamen to interpret said events for others to take in later. Over time, more and more community members were welcomed to take in ceremonies and events firsthand. With this ideal in place, the role of the community became as important as the presenters themselves. If the Spectators aren’t there, there is no one to relay the message to, and the ceremony is meaningless. Cave paintings evolved to be viewed in the 360-degree circle. Then, it progressed to a ceremony in the Central Plaza, continuing into today, with the spectators gathering around to take in the lesson.
This exhibit is meant to give art patrons the experience of going through the Spectator‘s evolution from the present time (represented by colorful paintings) to the earliest time, with color gradually digressing and eventually ending at the far, central wall, with three large-scale paintings in sepia, representing those earliest experiences. When the patron reaches the central wall, they will be in the perspective of the earliest Spectators. They can then veer outwards to take in the artwork on the walls, gradually progressing to the current time as they near the exit.
Spectators is an invitation to walk, step-by-step, through the spectators’ evolution as experienced in the Piro Pueblo tradition. May viewers walk in a good way and embrace the journey.
Drysdale met Tonio LeFebre through a collaborative project, Within, commissioned by SOAR for the Pueblo Historic District’s section on the Pueblo Levee Mural Project. As part of that project, LeFebre joined SOAR in the Colorado State University-Pueblo classroom, where Drysdale had the opportunity to witness his oral storytelling—story-teaching—skills in a collegiate setting. With that connection, she reached out to the artist to inquire about coordinating a solo exhibition that would highlight LeFebre’s incredible visual and oral storytelling skills. We are excited to collaborate on presenting you Spectators.
Tonio LeFebre
Native Colorado artist Tonio LeFebre relies on his rich cultural upbringing to influence his work in a variety of mediums. LeFebre, of Piro Pueblo and Spanish descent, designs and creates artistic works that reflect the teachings he received from elders in his community while growing up. Widely known for his paintings of Native American and Chicano subject, LeFebre also has a following for his silver jewelry, Pueblo belt weavings, and moccasins.
In 2014, Tonio was chosen to partake in a project to resurrect the language of his Piro ancestors. Since that time, the project has produced positive results in reviving an integral part of a culture believed to be long lost for good.
Tonio’s paintings have been chosen to represent various events and organizations such as the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce, and the “La Cosecha” language and educational equity conference.
His murals can be viewed at the Pueblo Heritage Museum, as well as the West 18th Street Bridge in Pueblo, Colorado.
An extended portfolio of Tonio’s work is available at toniolefebre.com, on Facebook @Tonio LeFebre and on Instagram @lefebre_art_design, or he may be contacted at toniolefebre931@gmail.com.