Lot 246
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). "Blood, Sweat, Tears" watercolor and gouache on paper, 2009. Signed and dated on lower right. A remarkable painting by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton that pays homage to the struggles endured by indigenous peoples as tribes were forcibly relocated to reservations as well as the longstanding native practice of recording historical narratives, first on rock walls and later on animal hides. This composition features natives on horseback engaged in battle with drips of blood below symbolizing their struggle, all painted over an image of a large Teton Sioux shield that is suspended before a rock wall adorned with petroglyphs. All is delineated in Halsey-Dutton's lively manner and uniquely floated upon a backdrop that the artist faux-painted to resemble animal hide in a deep acrylic shadowbox frame. Size (painting): 30" L x 11" W (76.2 cm x 27.9 cm) Size (shadowbox): 34.5" L x 15.4" W x 2.7" D (87.6 cm x 39.1 cm x 6.9 cm)
Halsey-Dutton has used shadowbox framing to underscore the cultural importance of the theme and suggest a treasured museum artifact. This piece is painted on heavy-weight archival watercolor paper, and the manner of paint application was intended to convey age and weathering. In addition, the paper's deckled edge further imbues the piece with a sense of history.
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. She has provide the following statement about this piece, "America is a nation intrinsically linked to the histories of the many people who first inhabited the continent. Records of their lives and struggles go back to pre-history and these histories are found etched into rock walls. Later, the Plains Indians used hides as a surface to provide a portable record, depicting important events and utilized to illustrate narrative ancestral histories. As tribes were eventually forced onto reservations, these histories were often recorded by utilizing discarded ledger books to continue the tradition. / Lives of turmoil and struggle are depicted in these images. The vital importance of food sources and the significance of the horse are often rendered. To the Plains Indians, bison were vital. Nothing from the bison was wasted: it fed, clothed, and sheltered them, as well as provided materials necessary for survival in battle. / Conflict with enemies was frequent, and shields for protection are also commonly rendered. The Teto Sioux shield incorporated into this painting's imagery is made of symbolic and naturally occurring materials: hide, hawk feathers, wool cloth, paint, and sinew."
Dr. Halsey-Dutton is both a professional visual artist and a fine arts educator, holding a PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona. She exhibits her artwork both nationally and internationally, and also teaches art education workshops at home and abroad.
Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection
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#174350
- Condition: Overall excellent and demonstrates impressive artistry and technique. Signed and dated at bottom right (at edge of hide shield). The artist has floated this painting in a deep clear acrylic shadowbox frame. The paper is mounted upon archival black foam core that has been permanently attached to a faux-painted heavy Masonite backing. Fit with suspension wire and ready to display. Halsey-Dutton's informative description and COA is attached to the verso of this piece.
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