:The nationally acclaimed exhibition "The Art of Romare Bearden"
is coming to the High Museum of Art. Featuring approximately 130
works, this exhibition is the most comprehensive retrospective
ever assembled of Bearden's distinct art, including many pieces
that have been rarely exhibited from private collections. The
exhibition runs from February 5 through April 24, and is the last
venue for this touring exhibition.
"The Art of Romare Bearden" explores the complexity and scope of
Bearden's evolution as an artist in the Twentieth Century. The
retrospective is presented thematically in chronological order
and underscores the diverse range of Bearden's work - paintings;
drawings and watercolors; monotypes and edition prints; collages
of diverse materials, including fabrics; photographs; and designs
for record albums, costumes and stage sets, and book
illustrations; and the artist's only known sculpture.
"Bearden, as an artist of great innovation and masterly
technique, reached far beyond the label of African American art
with his work," explained Philip Verre, deputy director of the
High Museum of Art. "His approach to and use of collage technique
to tell the story of modern African American experience elevate
him to a level where all who view his work will discover a
meaningful experience."
Bearden's work represents the places where he lived and worked:
the rural south; northern cities, principally Pittsburgh and New
York; and the Caribbean island of St Martin. Bearden's work also
reflects his wide range of interests and explores overlapping
themes of religion, ritual practice, everyday life, jazz clubs,
history, mythology and literature.
Bearden's oeuvre of more than 2,000 known works in many media
reveals the diverse influences of Western sources ranging
medieval stain glass and Italian masters, such as Duccio and
Giotto, to Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse, as well as his
absorption of African art, Byzantine mosaics, Japanese prints and
Chinese paintings.
The sections of the exhibition are Origins, Circa 1964,
Mecklenburg Memories, The City and Its Music, Stories, Women,
Monotypes, Collaborations, and Late Work.
Highlights include "Berkeley - The City and Its People," 1973,
which measures 10 by 16 feet and is seen in the touring
exhibition for the first time outside of the Berkeley City
Council chambers where it was installed in 1974; The "Block II,"
1972, an unusual multipanel piece depicting the varied indoor and
outdoor life of Harlem; and "Mauritius," 1969, his only known
work of sculpture, which alludes to a martyred Roman soldier, an
African recruited from upper Egypt.
On view in the exhibition is also a work from the High's
permanent collection. Bearden's "Noah, Third Day" was acquired by
the museum in 1973. Bearden wrote about the collage saying,
"'Noah Third Day' represents my continuing interest in the
prevalence of ritual. That is, as a young boy in the Baptist
church, I'd hear many sermons around such biblical happenings as
Noah's Ark. And what I've tried to show is the continuing
relationship of these myths throughout the years."
The exhibition runs concurrently with "Frank Stewart, Romare
Bearden: The Last Years" and "Connections: Community and Culture
in Self-Taught Art" on view February 5-May 2, at the High Museum
of Art's folk art and photography galleries located downtown.
"Frank Stewart, Romare Bearden: The Last Years" showcases 46
images of Bearden, through the eyes of contemporary photographer
Stewart. "Connections: Community and Culture in Self-Taught Art"
consists of folk art from the High's permanent collection that
explores common themes in the work of self-taught artists and
trained artists such as Bearden.
A wide range of films, brochures, concerts, lectures, tours and
family and school programs for all ages will be offered
throughout the run of the exhibition. A fully illustrated
exhibition catalog is available for purchase in the gift shop.
The High is at 1280 Peachtree Street at 16th Street. For
information, 404-733-4000 or www.High.org.
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