Chelsea A. Benally

A close-up black and white photo of a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater.

Born in Crystal, New Mexico, Chelsea Benally (Diné) earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, with an emphasis in photography and painting. Their work explores themes of identity, resilience, and the evolving roles of women in contemporary culture, blending traditional and modern artistic approaches. In addition, they have been exploring abstraction, relating energy and emotion without figurative elements. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Benally maintains a dedicated studio practice and serves as Assistant Director at Gallery Hózhó in Hotel Chaco, where they help cultivate a vibrant community of artists and cultural exchange.

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Chelsea Benally, One Day You'll Know
$1,500.00
Chelsea Benally, Journey Within
$1,500.00
Chelsea Benally, My Little Sweet Pea
$1,500.00
Chelsea Benally, Untitled (Green, Yellow, and Blue)
$1,000.00
Chelsea A. Benally, Resilient
$2,500.00
Chelsea A. Benally, Harmony
$2,500.00
Chelsea A. Benally, Thoughtful
$2,000.00
Chelsea A. Benally, Self Portrait #3
$400.00
Chelsea A. Benally, Self Portrait #2
$400.00
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Chelsea Benally, Exalted Strength (Aaron)
$3,500.00
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Chelsea A. Benally, Purple Haze
$400.00
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Chelsea Benally, Orrin (Green)
$3,500.00
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Artist’s Statement:

“I am inspired by everyday life experiences to express my portraits. I express their individual values and uniqueness by applying both photography and painting. Photographing a person is a very personal experience for the sitter, requiring that they are are vulnerable and exposed. Whilst photographing them, you begin to establish a relation and perception of and with that person(s). Within the elements of painting, I use color, texture, and brush techniques to communicate both realistic and abstractly a wide range of emotions.”