Untitled (Indian Relics)

Criss is better known for his paintings of architectural exteriors and populated interiors, but objects played a significant role in his work. The four objects here represent four different American Indian peoples: a blue Hopi rattle crafted from a gourd, a Northwest Coast (Kwakwaka'waka) rattle painted to resemble a killer whale, a Navajo blanket, and a Santa Clara Pueblo wedding vase.