Nanibah “Nani” Chacon is a Dine (Navajo) and Chicana artist, with disciplines spanning painting, installation and sculpture. Chacon was born in Gallup, New Mexico and grew up on both the Navajo reservation and in New Mexico. She is currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chacon’s most notable works have been within the public arts sector, in which she has a cumulative experience of over 20 years. In 2003 Chacon received her Bachelor in Education from the University of New Mexico. She has seven years teaching experience in the classroom and has also written curriculum for alternative education programs. Chacons’ works as an artist often include community-based integration and social practice, working as key components within the public work pieces she creates. Creating public works, facilitates a social engagement process, making community a central part of her process, as well as elevates her personal philosophy that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change. Her work has been recognized for its unique style and attention paid to site specific location and content, as well as the integration of socio-political issues affecting women and indigenous peoples. Chacon’s work focuses concepts within indigenous culture, bringing the complexity of indigenous people to the forefront. The content of the work is used to incite dialogue though site specific placement, cultural content and community dialogue. Chacon currently exhibits across the United States and abroad. She has maintained a career as an artist and educator creating works both Nationally and Internationally, while working with multiple organizations and institutions. receiving commissions and collaboration opportunities worldwide.
The most notable being Creative Capital, Participant in the Whitney Biennial, SITE Santa Fe, the National Endowment for the Arts, California Endowment for the arts. US consulate and Embassy in Russia, the Obama Foundation, NM Public Arts Foundation, National Museum of Mexican Art Chicago, Navajo Nation Museum, National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Museum of Native Contemporary Art. Her clients have included: Facebook, Go Pro, NBC Universal, NPR ,Disney, Comedy Central, Honor the Earth, and Sons and Brothers, with work acquired by LACMA, Whitney Museum of Art, Getty, Tia Collection, Gochman Collection.
Photo by Nakai Rodriguez.