Yáhz Pending

The Albuquerque-based artist known as Yázh Pending, was born in Farmington, New Mexico but moved frequently about the Southwest as a child. His lived experience in the foster care and child welfare system was a frequent barrier in his young life, preventing adequate education and quality time spent with his family.

Today, Yázh is establishing his career in art and advocacy. His recent work consists of digital rendering and fiber/textile work. Using themes from his childhood and aspirations for the future, he hopes to create art that directly impacts the world. He is particularly concerned with the daily issues faced by indigenous people in the US and issues directly facing communities in so-called New Mexico. Some of Yázh’s accomplishments include completing work with the Harwood Art Center (2019, 2020) in Albuquerque’s Mesa Verde District, and with the Alma Tile Institute (2021) in the Valle de Oro Refuge. 

Yázh hopes that through this fellowship, he can gain confidence in community work to be able to effectively implement positive change.