Michael Bowen

Beast Before the Heart, Variant #1

1973

This artwork titled "Double Faces" c.1975 is an original color etching with aquatint on wove paper by American surrealist artist Michael Bowen, 1937-2009. It is hand signed with initials in pencil by the artist. The plate mark (image) size is 21.75 x 17.5 inches, sheet size is 29.25 x 20.75 inches. It is in excellent condition, has never been framed. About the subject: Nowhere is the intertwining of metaphysical, biographic and social narratives more evident than in the Café Life series painted in the 1980’s. Though the “series” was done in the 80’s, the pieces really revive the spirit of the Beat café scene, which began in the mid-1950’s and which was so instrumental to the particular spiritual and social vibe of the counter culture. And his Café Life observations continue over his artist life with scenes, such as the ones here, from Los Angles, Bolinas, Mexico and Italy. About the artist: Michael Bowen (December 8, 1937 – March 7, 2009) was an American fine artist known as one of the co-founders of the late 20th and 21st century Visionary art movements. His works include paintings on canvas and paper, 92 intaglio etchings based on Jungian psychology, assemblage, bronze sculpture, collage, and handmade art books. An icon of the American Beat Generation and the 1960s counterculture, Bowen is also known for his role in inspiring and organizing the first Human Be-In in San Francisco. Chronicled in books and periodicals reflecting on the turbulent 1960s, Bowen's historical impact on both the literary and visual art worlds is well documented. He remains influential among avant-garde art circles around the world. He started his art career at age 17, when he joined the American installation artist Ed Kienholz in his Los Angeles studio. There he met and joined with other influential Beat Generation artists including Wallace Berman, John Altoon, and Dennis Hopper. Bowen participated in the construction of the Ferus Gallery and Now Gallery created by Ed Kienholz and curated by Walter Hopps. Bowen attended the Chouinard Art Institute for several years during his formative artistic experiences in Los Angeles. In the late 50s and early 60s, Bowen continued his spiritual training and research. He investigated and practiced a variety of occult topics, Eastern philosophies, and mysticism, and his artwork reflected these themes. Bowen is often referred to as a mystic artist. As a lifelong student of the Bhagavad-Gita, Bowen's entire career has emulated the spiritual warrior archetype of Arjuna, fighting for the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Michael Bowen moved to San Francisco in the late 1950s, and along with fellow artist comrades Arthur Monroe...

This artwork titled "Vivaldi, Autumn" 1993 in an original etching with hand coloring by noted German artist Jurgen Gorg, b.1951. It is hand signed, dated, titled and numbered E.A. III/X in pencil by the artist. The plate mark (image) size is 15.5 x 12.5 inches, framed size is 29 x 18 inches. Custom framed in a wooden silver frame, with light grey matting, silver color bevel and red/brown fillet. The artwork and matting are in excellent condition, the frame have some scratches and dents, it will be replaced by a new similar or better silver frame when sold before shipping. This will bring the over all condition to excellent. About the artist: Born in 1951 in Dernbach, West Germany, Jurgen Gorg has established himself as a master craftsman and consummate artist. His etchings and lithographs reflect his innate talent and imagination. He studied visual arts first, in Koblenz, Germany and later, at the Johannes-Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. Gorg began his professional career in 1977 as an artist and printmaker and by 1980, was awarded a special painting prize by the district of Rheinland-Pfalz. In 1985, a catalog raisonne was published of Gorg's creations. Gorg's work follows a strong tradition of figurative art with erotic overtones. He interprets his subject matter loosely, keeping his figures open and emphasizing motion through line and contour. A foreword in a book on Gorg's work captures his artistic sensibility: "The predominant subject is the human body: it is the body of a young, slim, beautiful person. The face remains vague, the gestures are those of free motion...

Hiroshi ASADA Zen : Water Drops on the Sand Original etching and aquatint Handsigned in pencil Numbered / 200 On Arches vellum 16.5 x 21 cm (c. 6.5 x 8 in...

Martin Barooshian, American (1929 - 2022) - Dancing Figures, Year: circa 1979, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Arches, initialed in the plate and signed in pencil, Image Size: 2...