Opening Reception: Jaque Fragua's Ghost Writing

Step into the dynamic world of Jaque Fragua at the opening reception of Ghost Writing, a mid-career retrospective that bridges the past and present through a bold reimagining of Indigenous art and identity. Fragua, a contemporary artist from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, employs an array of media—digital painting, sculpture, installation, and public art—to challenge narratives, reclaim cultural iconography, and address critical issues faced by Indigenous communities today.

Rooted in the layered traditions of punk, graffiti, and ancestral knowledge, Fragua’s work embodies resistance and reclamation. Drawing inspiration from the Ghost Dance—a 19th-century spiritual movement that envisioned the restoration of Indigenous lands and ways of life—Fragua’s art transforms this historical movement into a visual language of resilience and revival. His concept of ghost writing channels the anonymity of graffiti culture while suggesting a spiritual authorship—an unseen yet potent presence guiding his work. Through symbols, prayers, and motifs, Fragua creates an art practice steeped in Indigenous storytelling, challenging erasure while carving space for contemporary cultural dialogues.

Fragua’s art, like his music, pulses with energy, merging the defiant spirit of graffiti with the sacred intricacies of ancestral imagery. By reinterpreting iconography that has been misappropriated by non-Native entities, Fragua doesn’t merely reclaim—it redefines. His works invite viewers to grapple with the tension between visibility and invisibility, permanence and impermanence, as they explore the layered realities of Indigenous identity and experience.

The opening reception will also feature a specially curated playlist by Fragua, reflecting his skill as a DJ and his ability to craft immersive, multi-sensory experiences. This unique blend of sound and art promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, reflection, and resilience.

Follow Jaque Fragua on Instagram and/or explore his creative worlds on SoundCloud and his website.

Don’t miss this celebration of Indigenous artistry and narrative reclamation. Free with registration.