Arnold Mesches: A Tribute

His work is always provocative, usually political, and often pessimistic. Yet, the paintings of artist Arnold Mesches first and foremost assert themselves as paintings—vivid, gestural, and glorious. In spite of their often-somber content, they can’t help but express the enduring joy of artistic creation.

Although there is never one right or wrong explanation behind any Mesches painting, the artist’s generous use of engaging symbolic elements and common icons of twentieth century life make them especially appealing to the many students that view his work in this and other public collections. Even better, the imagery leads students to further exploration of the history underlying it.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.