Fred Donath, Jr. Memorial Gallery
Ghost Writing is a compelling, mid-career retrospective showcasing work by Jaque Fragua, a contemporary artist from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. Fragua works in a diverse array of media, including digital painting, sculpture, installation, and public art. His distinct style is characterized by bold colors and mark-making as well as thoughtful approach to appropriation. Through his art, Fragua addresses critical issues faced by Indigenous communities in the United States. He centers Indigenous narratives with the aim of fostering dialogue around identity, heritage, and resilience.
Drawing inspiration from the “Ghost Dance”—a spiritual movement believed to restore traditional Indigenous lands and ways of life—Fragua’s art reclaims and reinterprets cultural iconography that has been historically misappropriated by non-Native entities. His practice is rooted in punk, graffiti, and traditional Indigenous knowledge. Fragua’s concept of ghostwriting also reflects the anonymity of graffiti culture, where the author often remains unknown. He infuses his own interpretation, suggesting that a guiding spirit influences the graffiti and symbolism in his art. Throughout his work, he connects deeply to ancestral energy, incorporating symbols, prayers, and motifs that convey Indigenous stories in contemporary contexts.
