With National Flag Day swiftly approaching, The Bare Square celebrates the day dedicated to America’s patriotic symbol by highlighting some artists that have shared their red, white, and blue pride!
Nearly seven decades ago, abstract expressionist artist, Jasper Johns, earned notoriety for his several depictions of the American flag.
Johns created the large, monochrome “White Flag”, a color version entitled “Flag”, and concluded his flag series with “Three Flags”, in which he superimposed three canvases of the American flag onto one another.
Three Flags by Jasper Johns
What was behind Johns’ flag field day?
Through his flag frenzy Johns may have been paying tribute to the Revolutionary War hero for who he was named, however, Johns never confirmed this as fact.
Either way, Johns pledged his allegiance through his encaustic, oil, and collage-compiled canvases!
nAscent artist, Gavin Sewell, also created bold and brilliant renditions of our American flag, drawing inspiration from Johns, as well.
Sewell’s 2010 “Old Glory” contains collaged images of the history of America, portraying a symbolic timeline within the iconic stars and stripes.
His latest work, “America Electric”, expresses the American flag through another variety of collaged images, lending a potent, abstract feel.
America Electric by Gavin Sewell
So whether you’re waving Jasper Johns’ “Three Flags”, Gavin Sewell’s “America Electric”, or the miniature cloth flag you hand your ten year-old nephew, be sure to spread some star-spangled spirit!
If you’ve been reading The Bare Square for a while, you know I’m a bit of a college basketball fan. March Madness strikes again! (How is your bracket looking?)
However, the other March happening, St. Patrick’s Day, is a more apt inspiration for The Bare Square. So, we’re updating our annual visit to artwork influenced by Ireland!
The first artist we spotlight is Jack Butler Yeats, brother of the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet and author William Butler Yeats. (“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”)
Yeats the younger did well for himself, producing over 1,000 paintings by the time he passed away in 1957 at 86.
Yeats painted Liffey Swim, depicting a 1923 race down the famed Dublin body of water, under 2 years after Ireland won its independence. The swim has become an annual tradition, and will celebrate its 93rd observance this year.
Yeats’ impressionistic depictions of everyday life in Ireland became a signature of his impressive work.
Liffey Swim by Yeats (1923)
One of the most important visual artists in Ireland’s history, Yeats has his own permanent exhibit in the country’s National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. One of his pieces sold at auction for nearly $2 million in 1999, and Yeats’ work enjoys enduring popularity in the U.S.
In contrast to Jack’s unwavering love for Dublin, one of W.B. Yeats’ good friends, Irish author James Joyce, left Dublin 100 years ago and never returned.
Lucky for the rest of the world, Joyce continued to write, going on to become one of the most celebrated Western authors of the 20th century. His works A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses, and Finnegan’s Wake still resonate.
To celebrate Joyce’s work, nAscent artist Gavin Sewell recently began working on a retrospective called “Riverrun–yes!” a translation of James Joyce’s novel Finnegans Wake into visual images.
“I’m really excited to get started on the actual pieces,” said Gavin. “The sketches are done, so now it’s just a matter of putting the work together.”
Gavin will be working on the artworks for the next several months. For updates, subscribe to The Bare Square or visit Gavin’s website. If you haven’t seen our studio visit with Gavin, check out this recent edition of Art Seen!
The Bare Square has had a blast bringing you bite-sized art news this year. As we make the last turn to the holidays and the new year, we’ll be summing up with the best of everything–articles, prints, gallery openings, and videos. It’s a great way to remember what a banner year 2011 has been, and how much we look forward to 2012 being even better.
There you have it, The Bare Square Store’s Top 11 Fine Art Prints of 2011!
Not to downplay the importance of this list, but it’s completely subjective.
We like a little controversy. Who did we leave off the list that should have made it? Are any overrated? Is one way too low? What’s your fave?
Check out The Bare Square Store for the select group of nominees, and let us know! E-mail us at baresquare [at] nascentartny.com, or comment on our Facebook page.
Whatever your preference, we still have some of each of these prints available. If you’re still finishing holiday shopping, pick one starting at just $20, or e-mail us to buy a gift certificate. If you haven’t perused the curated offerings in The Bare Square Store, please do. Maybe you’ll find a fine artwork you like even better than the ones we picked!
Art Seen, The Bare Square’s special web video series, is back again! This week Jen takes you to the working studio of Brooklyn artist Gavin Sewell. Hailing from Maine, Gavin’s unique, intelligent and powerful collage artworks grace the walls of important individual, corporate, and cultural collections.
nAscent Art New York (publisher of The Bare Square) selected Gavin as one of its premier emerging artists a few years ago, and he has not disappointed.
In this episode of Art Seen, meet Gavin and check out his amazing artwork.
We’re excited to announce two new limited editions now available at The Bare Square Store!
All this week (until Monday 3/21) ALL of our profits at The Bare Square Store go to The Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in Japan. Buy art you love AND feel really good about it!!
Desert Silhouette 1 by Michael Baron
We’ve previously introduced to you the breathtaking landscape photography of Michael Baron. A life-long professional photographer, Mike explores serene landscapes that add beauty to wherever room they hang in. Desert Silhouette 1 is no exception. He actually told us this is his favorite sunset photograph EVER. Now it’s exclusively available at The Bare Square Store. Editions are limited so get yours before they’re gone…and right now you can help Japan too!
Night Flights by Gavin Sewell
This week Night Flights by Gavin Sewell joins his other exclusive edition Old Glory (which is a top seller) at The Bare Square Store. Gavin’s brilliant mixed media works offer depth, contemplation and sophistication. Gavin’s work is unique and varied, but his voice is clear and consistent. Night Flights is available exclusively at The Bare Square Store starting at just $20!!
We’re so excited to launch these new editions and are thrilled to have the opportunity to work together with you to support those in need in Japan. Check out this recent article, Art helping in the wake of disaster: Japan & Katrina, to learn more!
