The Ties That Bind: Georgia O’Keeffe, Plaza Blanca, and Dar al Islam

By Karima Alavi

Those of us who visit Plaza Blanca, the famed rock formation on the property of Dar al Islam, are used to approaching Abiquiu on paved roads. The next step is to drive up a slightly bumpy dirt road to the Plaza Blanca parking lot, before walking down to the white sandstone cliffs eroded by storms, winds, and water, the same elements that slowly cut gashes through them. This site offers a quiet haven to hikers, artists, and those who seek respite from the stress of daily life. I, for one, have taken for granted the ease with which I can visit Plaza Blanca, especially after reading Maria Chabot’s exquisite description of her visits to the site with her friend, Georgia O’Keeffe.

Chabot was a Texas-born writer, photographer, and advocate for indigenous rights. Her strong interest in preserving native arts led her to facilitate the development of Santa Fe’s Indian Market. With their shared interest in the arts, Maria and Georgia O’Keeffe quickly became close friends. Chabot assisted with the restoration of the Abiquiu home O’Keeffe purchased, noting the charming, but rustic condition of the property that was apparently inhabited by some very stubborn pigs. When in need of a break, when seeking the tranquility that nature offers, they jumped into Georgia’s Ford coupe and made their way, with absolutely no roads, up the arroyos toward the area they called the “White Place.”

​An arroyo is a natural channel, or wash, that is dry most of the year. The problem is that they can turn treacherous in minutes by filling with water, rocks, and branches that tumble down a mountain at a dangerous speed. For this reason, O’Keeffe and Chabot knew exactly what to watch out for—clouds. Those simple, white, innocent looking clouds that could signal a warning that you’re driving your Ford straight toward a flash flood.

​“A Storm” by Georgia O'Keeffe - https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482299, public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55076711

Through her many paintings of the “White Place,” O’Keeffe has made people aware of this natural treasure, a hidden gem, situated on the land owned by Dar al Islam. (See information below if you wish to visit the site.)

The teachings and spiritual practice of Islam emphasize the concept of Environmental Stewardship, emphasizing the religious obligation of Muslims to be stewards of the earth. It is incumbent upon Muslims to protect natural resources which, as part of God’s creation, are considered a sacred gift. Islam’s religious text, the Qur’an, encourages humans to be humble toward the earth: “The true servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly” (25:63). Scholars point out that this verse encourages us to do the least damage while on the earth, and to protect the environment for future generations rather than just thinking of ourselves.

Environmental activism in an Islamic context also unites the concept of justice with that of generosity. Chapter 54, verse 28, of the Qur’an makes it clear that resources are to be shared equally, even if one person (or tribe) has received more abundance than others: “And let them know that the water is to be divided between them, with each share of water equitably apportioned.” In this way, people maintain a sense of justice, while avoiding greed or wastefulness.

Though little is known today about native settlements in Plaza Blanca, hikers have encountered subtle indications that people have inhabited the area for centuries. It is known, however, that this area has always been considered sacred by the many native tribes that had a presence in the region, including Hopi, Tewa, Apache, Comanche, and Navajo. The area often resonates with an air of sanctity, and if one looks closely, they can still find subtle outlines of ancient structures, or perhaps early gardens, made of rocks that are slowly sinking, disappearing back into the welcoming earth.

Recently there has been an increase in connections between Dar al Islam, the O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and the Abiquiu O’Keeffe Welcome Center. My January 17 Abiquiu News article told of Dar al Islam’s application for a Trail Mapping Grant. Letters of support from both the museum and the welcome center were instrumental in Dar al Islam’s receipt of a $100K grant.

Visitors to Santa Fe’s O’Keeffe Museum and the Welcome Center have enjoyed tacking on an additional excursion to their tours. On May 12, 30 people from the museum toured the mosque, education center, and its surrounding property after enjoying their visit to O’Keeffe’s home. In April, another group of 13 visitors added a trip to Dar al Islam to their itinerary. There are also random O’Keeffe visitors who make their way up the road on their own, as happened last Friday when I exited the mosque from joining the Friday prayers and encountered a woman from Georgia. She told me that someone from the O’Keeffe Welcome Center had suggested she make the short drive to the mosque. She also spoke of the sense of tranquility she sensed upon entering the building.

​Georgia O’Keeffe herself visited Dar al Islam. She arrived in the early 1980’s after construction of the mosque was completed and the educational facility, connected to the mosque, was being built. According to Walter Declerck who encountered her on the site, it was the many arches moving down the central hallway that intrigued her the most.

So, what does the future hold in terms of any connections between Dar al Islam, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Plaza Blanca? According to Dar al Islam’s Executive Director, Rafaat Ludin, there are many possible opportunities to collaborate, while promoting awareness of O’Keeffe’s ties to the land upon which Dar al Islam sits. The conversation will continue, ideas will be explored.

In the meantime, those who wish to visit Plaza Blanca can do so by requesting an access code that will open the gate to the parking area situated at the trailhead. Click here to register: https://daralislam.org/plaza-blanca.aspx

Just watch out for those gentle puffy clouds O’Keeffe loved to paint. They can be tricky.

"A Celebration" by Georgia O'Keeffe (above)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Celebration_1924_O%27Keeffe.jpg

Storm coming in. Photo: courtesy of Dar al Islam

To read more of the excerpt from Chabot’s writings on Plaza Blanca, go to: https://www.zibbywilder.com/post/2018/12/01/plaza-blanca-georgia-okeeffes-white-place