A Native American Shield from the North Dakota Tribe "Arikara"
around 1850 on view in Kansas City at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Native American collection at the the Nelson-Atkins Museum of art is outstanding and a must see. Being a painter and a lover of painting I was inspired by their beautiful and powerful collection of Native American art. The painted bull on deer hide is a masterpiece of Plains Indians.
The relationship between the triangle head of the bull and the circular picture plane creates a powerful composition. I feel like I'm witnessing the moment in time when the artist encounters this bull. Two simple shapes, one within the other, compose this powerful image. The painter's use of a dark umber pigment on an off white deer hide simplifies the palette adding to the dramatic event unfolding. This painting is compelling because of the angular movement of the bull entering the picture plane from above. The gesture of leg and hoof move toward the center of the picture, capturing the moment when the upright bull buffalo, with his direct unwavering gaze, encounters you the viewer. How a simple triangle in a circle can move a viewer is beyond my rational understanding.
Had never heard of this wonderful gallery until your blog post; thanks! Great perspective to look at "primitive" art in a different light.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great museum, The Japanese screen painting collection is out of this world. Wonderful weekend trip. Don't forget to eat at Arthur Bryant's
ReplyDeleteBarbecue while in KC.