Cochiti Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz and collaborator Eric Garcia transform the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 into a visionary story of cultural survival, reconciliation, and Indigenous futurism.In 1680, Po’pay of Ohkay Owingeh, sent messengers to the Pueblos across northern New Mexico to plan an organized attack on the Spanish colonizers. The plan worked, and together, people more than forty Pueblos, drove the Spanish out for twelve years. For Virgil Ortiz, of the Pueblo of Cochiti, this true story of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 has been at the center of his work as an artist across the decades. In sculpture, film, textiles, and more, Virgil has made it his mission to use his art to educate others about the history of the Pueblo Revolt, its significance, and its ongoing influence. As a part of this telling and retelling, Virgil blends the history with Star Wars-inspired Indigenous futurism storytelling, both as a way to draw many different audiences in, and to imagine an Indigenous future that pulls from the strength of its history. In the latest chapter, Continuum: Blindfall, First Strike, on view at the Vladem Contemporary in Santa Fe until October 18, 2026, Virgil joins forces with friend and fellow artist Eric F. Garcia, to place Spanish conquistador history and symbolism in conversation with Po’pay and other Pueblo warriors, both past and present. Featured Guests: Virgil Ortiz Eric F. Garcia Continuum: Blindfall, First Strike exhibition at Vladem Contemporary Recommended Encounter Culture Episodes: Truth and Tragedy: The Timeless Mythology of La Llorona Recommended El Palacio Articles: The Fuel of Activism Mentioned in this episode: The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 Po’pay Herman Agoyo, sculptor from Ohkay Owingeh La Malinche (as discussed in Season 7 of Encounter Culture) Pueblo of Cochiti Art collector Robert Gallegos New Mexico School for the Arts We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you loved about the episode, share a personal story it made you think of, or ask us a question at elpalacio@dca.nm.gov. You can write a regular email or record a short voice memo and attach it for us to listen to. Visit newmexicoculture.org for info about our museums, historic sites, virtual tours, and more. Our favorite way to fully experience everything they have to offer is with the New Mexico CulturePass. Reserve yours online! If you love New Mexico, you’ll love El Palacio Magazine! Subscribe to El Palacio today. Encounter Culture, a production of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, is produced and edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios. Hosted by Emily Withnall, editor at El Palacio Magazine Executive Producer: Daniel Zillmann Technical Director & Post-Production Audio: Edwin R. Ruiz Editor & Production Manager: Alex Riegler Associate Producer & Editor: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota) Theme Music: D’Santi Nava Instagram: @newmexicanculture and @elpalaciomagazine
