Mystery Ranch artist in residence Alina Lindquist visited Avi Kwa Ame National Monument over a dozen times in 2024, and used her observations, plein air sketches, and experiences from her time in the monument to create an extraordinary body of work deeply imbued with respect, admiration and care for this sacred landscape.
Alina Lindquist. Springtime Dreams, 2024.
There is a long history of artists creating works that elevate place, helping others recognize its inherent value and worth (Ansel Adams’ portraits of Yosemite and Maynard Dixon’s epic Southwest landscapes immediately come to mind). Lindquist’s work does exactly that—her work is truly a celebration of the Avi Kwa Ame landscape and reflects a palpable sense of awe, reverence and care. Her goal? “I aim to capture the character of the land. Sometimes it's the serene silence the desert exudes, and other times it's the playful dances the Joshua trees appear to be involved in. I listen to what the desert has to say in those moments and translate it with paint.”
Love Letters to Avi Kwa Ame opens on October 26th at ASAP Gallery in Las Vegas from 6pm-9pm. We hope to see you there!