In Contemporary Rhythm: The Art of Ernest L. Blumenschein
Steele Gallery
March 15, 2009 – June 14, 2009
Ernest L. Blumenschein was co-founder and the most successful of the Taos School of artists working in the early 20th century. Academically trained and the recipient of numerous national exhibition prizes, Blumenschein balanced his career between academic traditions and modernist trends. A founding member of the influential Taos Society of Artists, Blumenschein’s interests in modernism also led him to found the modernist New Mexico Painters.
Comprised of approximately 60 paintings, and approximately 15 studies, preliminary sketches, photographs, letters, and related supporting material, this retrospective will be the first major exhibition on Blumenschein since 1978.
A substantial catalog tracing the artist’s career, artistic achievements and role within modernism will accompany the exhibition.
Left: Haystack, Taos Valley, prior to 1927, reworked 1940, Oil on canvas, 24 x 27 inches, Courtesy of Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Given in memory of Roxanne P. Thams by William H. Thams, 2003 Center: The Chief Goes Through, 1956, Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches, Courtesy of Stark Museum of Art, Orange, Texas; 31.30/9.
Right: Star Road and White Sun, 1920, Oil on canvas, 42 x 51 inches, Courtesy of The Albuquerque Museum, Museum purchase, 1985 General Obligation Bonds, Albuquerque High School Collection, Gift of classes 1943, 1944, and 1945; 1986.50.3
Phoenix will be the final destination for this exhibition, which is being organized by Phoenix Art Museum in collaboration with Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and Denver Art Museum.
