Frank Big Bear, "The Poetry of Joseph E. Big Bear"


 Wow, what's not to love about this colorful, multi image work.  Our artist is Frank Big Bear (1953 -) .  He grew up on the White Earth Reservation and now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He has received several Bush Foundation Fellowships, plus the Enduring Vision Award in 2008.   He is represented by the Bockley Gallery in Minneapolis. 

    I love the mystery surrounding the image and the title.  I did learn Joseph E. Big Bear is the artist's brother, and his poetry is part of an attached caption.  I have decided against including it, as I don't find it essential for enjoying the painting.  However the image certainly portrays a personal reaction to the life of this close family member.  
   I have always found inclusion of a whole spectrum of color a very difficult task.  Only a limited number of artists take on the job.  But we can see here, Big Bear is a master at it!  It is fun to run our eyes across the whole format, taking in all the bright colors and images.  Nature images, animals, many birds and shapes abound.  I even see a beetle holding together the corners of the collar.  The bulging eyes create a surprise expression, but, with all the other colors and shapes around them,  I am uncertain it is wise to assume it.   
   The Poetry of Joseph E. Big Bear is part of the permanent collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.   It was purchased from the Bockley Gallery in 2010.  It is an acrylic on canvas measuring 56 inches high, 40 across, so a large work.  I can image it does a great job of dominating a space when presented.  
   (To read the poem, please go to the museum's website and type in Big Bear.  It should come up.)

   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.   
    

Comments

  1. Char HarguthApril 12, 2021 at 11:53 AM

    When I first glanced at this painting, I thought I was looking through a kaleidoscope with my macular degeneration!! It's just amazing how much relative detail he included in this painting. I'm sure there is much meaning beyond my understanding of the cultural implications. I find that my eyes are looking for a place to rest!!! It begs a closer observation of all the intimate images. I think it's really spectacular and enjoyable. Yes - interesting poem, too. Very talented brothers!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art Expert On LineApril 12, 2021 at 1:45 PM

      Yes, a kaleidoscope! A great thought as it definitely is. Thanks for all your wonderful contributions!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wayne Thiebaud, Sunset Streets

Image
   In giving title to this landscape, California artist, Wayne Thiebaud not only provides the location, but also the time of day.  Knowing that Thiebaud is a California artist provides the last clue to guessing the probably location.  Smartly, The San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art purchased this painting for its permanent collection in 1986, a year after it was completed.  Sunset Streets is an oil on canvas measuring 48" x 35".      Wayne Thiebaud was born in 1920 and resides in California. He is one of several artists creating a distinct California aesthetic using heavy pigment and exaggerated color.   He is best known for his commonplace objects, figures, and landscapes. of which this is a perfect example.    The composition of this work is amazing.  Right down the center, at a slight tilt is this blue-black stripe, K shape, beginning with a heavy base and capped with a large triangle of sorts.  The painting is...
Read more

Jimmy Baker, "Double Tillman"

Image
   It has been a while since we have looked at a contemporary artist and new work, and this particular image by Jimmy Baker is somewhat different from others of his.   At first glance our painting for this week appears to be a landscape, maybe a setting or rising sun.  Our attention is drawn to the circle just slightly above middle center, and the arches above and swirls of color high light it.  Look at the lower half, the earth.  The light has highlighted rocks or wood chips, but we are unable to distinguish more.   I think this painting allows us to determine for ourselves what to make of it.   Is this a dying earth, or one recovering from tragedy?         Jimmy Baker (1980-) is from Ohio.  He was born here, received his education in Ohio, and is presently and associate professor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.  His work has achieved critical acclaim with solo exhibitions in Europe and across t...
Read more

Childe Hassam "The Avenue in Rain"

Image
    I probably should have saved this for the 4th of July, but that is a little far off and this work is among Childe Hassam's finest.      I have known of Childe Hassam (1859 - 1935) for a very long time, but only recently did Wikimedia straighten me out about the correct way to pronounce his first name.  It seems the "e" is silent; and his last name is pronounced as written, with two syllables.        From what I have read, Hassam was a pretty sharp guy, and possibly a little  arrogant.  He created 3,000 some works of art in his career and lived his entire adult life on the proceeds of their sale.  This is quite remarkable.  Most artists, (at least before 1930) had to supplement their income by teaching, commissioned portraits or careers outside the art field.  But Hassam figured out not only how to market his work, but also what subjects would be popular.  Timing is always a big issue, and he wa...
Read more