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Decorating the White House with Smithsonian Art
Continuing a Washington tradition, the Obamas selected artwork from the Smithsonian collections to hang in their historic home
By Abby Callard
Smithsonian.com, August 04, 2009
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(Alma Thomas / Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden)
Watusi (Hard Edge)
Alma Thomas
1963
Acrylic on canvas
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Alma Thomas, the first African-American woman to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum, was linked to the color-field school that had developed in Washington, D.C. in the 1960s. In Watusi, Thomas is trying to mix together different styles such as Henri Matisse’s cutouts. “She was also interested in the idea that color could generate musical correspondence,” Brougher says. “It was more than creating an abstract painting but trying to create music out of painting.”
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This isn't just "mixing together" influences including Matisse. It is a direct copy of a Matisse work, just rotated 90 degrees and with the colors switched around:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strifu/2205522821
Posted by MDC on August 4,2009 | 10:27PM
This painting is a direct copy (rotated 90 degrees) of Henri Matisse, L'escargot.
The comment that the artist is "trying to mix together different styles such as Henri Matisse’s cutouts" was an understatement!
This "work" if you want to call it "art" does not belong in a national museum!
The artist seems to be a bit of a scam artist rather than someone with real talent.
Posted by DEW on October 8,2009 | 04:30PM
And just how much did the taxpayers of the United States contribute to this artist for this counterfeit "art"?
Will the Smithsonian be issuing a Correction in the next issue?
What a disgrace.
Posted by EPR on October 14,2009 | 07:56PM
Regarding these comments about Alma Thomas'"Watusi", I am reminded of the comment attributed to Pablo Picasso that, "the bad artists imitate, the great artists steal." Thomas' work here is a transformation of the Matisse painting. There is power in the decision to reverse colors and to change perspective from "L'escargot,"giving "Watusi" integrity to stand on its own as a distinctive piece.
Posted by Marshall Waddell on October 15,2009 | 01:11PM