Beschreibung:

Romare Bearden (1911-1988)Untitled signed 'Romare Bearden' (upper left) acrylic and collage on panel 22 3/8 x 12 1/4 in. (56.8 x 31.1 cm.) Executed in 1968-70.FootnotesProvenance Private collection, New York, acquired directly from the artist. ACA Gallery, New York. Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1998. Under the guidance and mentorship of Romare Bearden Essie and Sherman Edmiston opened their first art gallery in 1979 and dedicated it to the advancement of Black American artists. The Edmiston's relationship with Romare and Nanette Bearden was one of deep admiration and mutual respect, as they worked harmoniously to promote Bearden's work as a master of depicting modern life. After Bearden's untimely passing in 1988, the Edmiston's continued to honor his legacy as one of the greatest Black artists of the 20th century. Following the civil rights movement and the questions it posed about voice and identity within the Black community, Bearden's style evolved into his iconic collage-paintings, which merge mythological and religious themes through the lens of contemporary Black culture and daily life. Earlier in his career, Bearden practiced in several styles including cubism, abstract expressionism, and social realism, though none could adequately capture the narrative aspect of his work. The creative process allowed Bearden to literally and metaphorically layer meaning into his work to create rich, complex, and textured works, deeply imbued with art historical and biblical references. In the present work Untitled, executed circa 1968-1970, Bearden has chosen a classic biblical theme with deep art historical references and re-shaped it into a modern re-envisioning of Eve being cast out of paradise. The theme of unjust persecution and being cast out to a harsh and unforgiving world mirrored the difficulties face by the Black communities in America in the 1960's. Here Bearden has created a rich tapestry of birds, snakes, foliage, and other natural elements throughout the picture plane, with a partial lone figure extending across the left edge, making her exit as the sun sets behind her. The sun setting beyond the figure is a reference to the darkness which she is about to be engulfed by, though she has her head held high and posture strong, presenting a figure that is prepared to face the unknown with firm resolve, much like those who fought for civil rights through the proceeding decade.