The Mint Museum and the Harvey Gantt Center recently celebrated the 100 year centennial of Romare Bearden. As a result of this event, his legacy is likely to be broadened in our community and thus, renewed appreciation of his importance as an avant-garde figure in the 20th century art world. My query – is there a way to establish a more significant visual statement of his legacy? The new Romare Bearden Park, on Mint Street in uptown Charlotte, will certainly contribute, as will Kendall Buster’s non-representational sculpture which will be placed in the park.
Bearden’s work is so colorful and visually kinetic. His collages vividly express music, rural life, city life and the social milieu of his time that he was so much a part of.
Imagine a literal or representative piece of his collage work in a towering three-dimensional form. A piece of public sculpture that captures:
- The joy and complexity of his art
- A celebration of his craft
- Recognition of his contribution to twentieth century collage art
- Homage to this seminal figure in Charlotte history
A public sculpture that derives its form from his collage elements would be wonderfully understandable, whimsical and easily approachable. I think we could broaden his appeal to the greater community and the art world by creating a relevant contemporary public sculpture, prominently placing him in the pantheon of great twentieth century artists. A Bearden’s Bearden, if you will.
