December 7, 2020
By Arthur H. Gunther III
Contact: ahgunther@hotmail.com
Just a few words here. After posting a recent painting without text except for the title “HISTORY,” on various internet sites, I was asked to provide a narrative.
Truth is, we write our own when we look at art work — paintings, drawings, sculpture, collages, etc. Even artists cannot always tell you what their work “means.” And any particular piece is reinterpreted over time, if it’s ever seen again.
On reflection, though, I humbly think the painting pictured above represents America, its history of barns, grain elevators, industrial chimneys, homes. No windows, so as not to be specific as to region, ownership, period. We all own the structures, our history. Maybe it’s all of us trying to find America after what few can deny has been tumult.
Or, perhaps it’s just a bunch of buildings. Maybe just a gathering of colors.
You can decide, or not. Thank you.
The writer is a retired newspaperman.
–30–