Emil James Bisttram was an American artist known for his contributions to modern art, particularly in the realm of abstract and non-objective painting. He was born on December 7, 1895, in Hungary and immigrated to the United States, where he became a significant figure in the American modernist art scene.Key aspects of Emil James Bisttram's life and art include:1. **Early Life and Education:** Bisttram immigrated to the United States in 1909, settling in New York City. He began his artistic training at the National Academy of Design and later studied under the influential American modernist Andrew Dasburg.2. **Santa Fe Art Colony:** In the 1930s, Bisttram moved to New Mexico and became associated with the Santa Fe art colony, a group of artists drawn to the region's unique landscapes and cultural diversity. This move had a profound impact on his work and artistic direction.3. **Taos School of Art:** Bisttram was a founding member of the Taos School of Art, a group of artists who embraced modernist styles while also drawing inspiration from the southwestern landscape and Native American cultures.4. **Abstract and Non-Objective Art:** Bisttram is best known for his abstract and non-objective paintings. He was deeply influenced by European modernist movements, including Cubism and Futurism, and he incorporated elements of these styles into his work.5. **Spiritual Themes:** Bisttram's art often explored spiritual and metaphysical themes. He was drawn to the idea of art as a means of conveying deeper, universal truths and connections.6. **Teaching:** Bisttram was a dedicated teacher and founded the Emil Bisttram School of Transcendentalism in Taos, New Mexico. His teaching emphasized the spiritual and philosophical aspects of art.7. **Legacy:** Emil James Bisttram's contributions to American modernist art, particularly in the context of the Southwest, are significant. His abstract and non-objective works continue to be admired for their depth and exploration of the spiritual in art.Emil James Bisttram's art and teachings are associated with a sense of spiritual exploration and a commitment to modernist principles. His contributions to the American art scene, particularly in the context of New Mexico's artistic communities, have left a lasting legacy in the world of modern art.
Measures 29 x 40.