Thomas Hart Benton - American Master

[@bobb1870]

Thomas Hart Benton has too often been viewed from a narrow lens, his work has complexity and depth. He captured the rural and city scenes, the rich and poor, and tells honest stories behind them. The critic's got him all wrong on many issues. Benton was an intelligent, compassionate, harshly honest, and combative definder of American art. He also ticked off people by calling out folks for good reason, even now it's hard to do that feat. Finally, Pollock's fame would not be possible without his time with Benton and other artists. No artist is an island nor perfect. Benton's and even Pollock's art are one of a kind.

[@KpxUrz5745]

Certainly not one of my favorite artists. He did strive for some sort of purely American vision, but it turns out to be one that I never think of, hark back to, or particularly admire. One of my tests is "would I want to own an original by this artist?" --- and in this case I must admit the answer is no.