Hopi Photography

The first photographs taken by Hopi people were snapshots to merely record family events. Hopi photographers today make a conscious effort to work with cultural responsibility. They must deal with conflict between obligations to Hopi people and personal artistic goals.

The goals and accomplishments of Hopi photographers vary. They range from seeking to understand and explain life to studies in personal dignity and cultural perseverance. Others invite viewers to look in the shadows and see the textures, patterns, children, buildings, and mystery.

Most recently, the HCPO and the Hopi Tribal Council granted permission to Jens Jensen, a professional photographer from Denmark, to do a photography project at Hopi. His work will be part of a traveling exhibit later this year.

Erin Younger tells us, "In Hopi photography as in Hopi Life, references and obligations overlap. Images lead into stories, stories into the past, the past into prophecies, and prophecies back to the present." Difficulties of being an independent artist and still remaining a member of the Hopi community will continue. There is always a balancing act between the Hopi community and the individual goals of the artist, whether painter, sculptor, or photographer.

The Cline Library Photo Collection at Northern Arizona University has a large collection of photos on line related to the Colorado Plateau. Included are many images of Hopi land, people, and arts and crafts. The archive can be searched in a number of ways.

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