Emil Bisttram (1895–1976) was a prominent American artist associated with the Transcendental Painting Group, a group of artists based in New Mexico who were dedicated to the principles of abstract and non-objective art. Bisttram was a painter, art educator, and a key figure in the development of modernist art in the American Southwest.Here are some key points about Emil Bisttram:1. **Early Life and Education:** Emil Bisttram was born in Hungary in 1895 and immigrated to the United States as a child. He studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City.2. **Cubism and Modernism:** Bisttram was influenced by the modernist movements of the early 20th century, including Cubism. He was part of the avant-garde art scene in New York during the 1920s.3. **Move to New Mexico:** In 1931, Bisttram moved to Taos, New Mexico, where he became a central figure in the burgeoning art community. Taos had already attracted artists seeking inspiration in the region's landscapes and Native American cultures.4. **Transcendental Painting Group:** Bisttram co-founded the Transcendental Painting Group in 1938, along with other artists such as Raymond Jonson and Lawren Harris. The group aimed to explore spiritual dimensions through abstract art, emphasizing a non-representational approach to painting.5. **Spiritual and Symbolic Themes:** Bisttram's work often incorporated spiritual and symbolic elements. He explored the relationship between color, form, and the viewer's perception, aiming to evoke a transcendent experience.6. **Teaching Career:** Bisttram was also an influential art educator. He founded the first modern art school in the Southwest, the Taos School of Art, and later established the Bisttram School of Fine Arts.7. **Later Career and Legacy:** Bisttram continued to create art throughout his life and remained active in the art community. His legacy includes both his contributions to the Transcendental Painting Group and his impact as an educator in the Southwest.Emil Bisttram's art reflects a commitment to exploring the spiritual dimensions of abstract painting and a dedication to fostering modernist ideas in the American Southwest. His role in the Transcendental Painting Group and his influence as an art educator have contributed to his lasting impact on the art scene in New Mexico.
Measures 58 x 35.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.