Seven Grandmothers Jim Nelson

The composition presents a layered and symbolic landscape dominated by vibrant, saturated colors. A fiery red background serves as the foundation for a complex arrangement of figures and animals, creating a sense of both intensity and depth.
At the apex of the visual field, three large bison are rendered in shades of green and purple, their forms somewhat abstracted and monumental. One figure, diminutive in scale, appears to be perched atop the central bison, adding an element of surrealism and perhaps suggesting observation or guardianship.
Below the bison, a procession of faces emerges from the red background. These appear to be elderly women, depicted with distinct facial features and traditional adornments – red dots marking their foreheads and around their eyes. Their expressions are solemn, conveying wisdom and resilience. The repetition of these faces creates a sense of continuity and collective identity.
The lower portion of the painting is anchored by a blue horse, its body patterned with yellow markings that resemble constellations or tribal designs. This animal seems to be in motion, suggesting vitality and perhaps a connection to ancestral journeys. Scattered throughout the scene are small, stylized representations of birds and what appear to be arrows, adding further layers of symbolic meaning.
The color palette is striking; the red background evokes feelings of passion, strength, or even warning. The blues and greens introduce elements of nature and spirituality. The overall effect is one of a dreamlike narrative – a visual tapestry woven with references to indigenous culture, ancestral wisdom, and the enduring power of tradition. The layering suggests multiple perspectives and interconnectedness, while the stylized forms lend an air of mythic significance. It’s possible that the work explores themes of heritage, resilience, and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer.