January 3 - August 1, 2021
From the Museum of Biblical Art:
“As America approaches July Fourth, a Brit-turned-American citizen – considered one of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and an internationally renowned visual artist – is paying tribute with a thought-provoking exhibition called American Anthem, which has been on view from Jan. 2020 through Aug. 1, 2021, at the Museum of Biblical Art | National Center for Jewish Art. The Museum of Biblical Art is located at 7500 Park Lane in Dallas (across from NorthPark Center).
A lifelong creative, Bernie Taupin is widely recognized for his 50-year song-writing partnership with Sir Elton John, but he has also been a working visual artist for decades. His American Anthem exhibition is not about his music, but instead presents the anthem of a life of vision, reflection and expression.
On comparing his music writings and his visual art, Bernie Taupin states that “music and art is an eventual collision … each emerge from the same internal place.”
“My dimensional work is simply the visual extension of what I have spent my life creating through words,” he adds.
American Anthem showcases Taupin’s impressive collection of nearly 50 unique paintings and sculptures created over the last 20 years. His works – constructions that often extend beyond the canvas and are bound with cord and wire – include found objects and repurposed material and artifacts. Taupin’s multi-layered creations include manipulated fabrics, scorched paper, wax, wire, wood, corrugated cardboard, fabric, bubble wrap, and resin. Guitars and other musical instruments are also featured.
As an immigrant and U.S. citizen who has lived several decades on his ranch in California, Taupin’s storytelling is articulated using American flag fragments – and American music of all kinds, from roots and rock-and-roll to the blues, country and jazz. Examples include The Currency of Denial Is Not Accepted, Home on the Range and I Don’t Play No Rock ‘N Roll.
Artworks formed from his life experiences in abstract expressionism, American and Judo-Christian philosophies are seen in Acoustic Calvary and American Faith. His history and passion for American music are evident in Mother Maybelle Hears the Angels Sing and Texas Lightnin’.
Exclusive for the museum, Taupin created a massive, 25’ x 12’ installation entitled THE WALL based on his iconic Sleeping Beauty series, with multiple metaphorical implications in his unique storytelling.
“Bernie Taupin is emerging as one of the great American contemporary artists that speaks to popular culture, teaching us to appreciate our country, enlighten us on our musical heritage and cherish democracy,” said Scott Peck, director and curator of the Museum of Biblical Arts.
EVOLUTION FROM LYRICIST TO VISUAL ARTIST
Born in 1950 and raised in rural northern England, Taupin’s childhood playground was among the open fields inhabited by crumbling castles and ancient Roman ruins. His imagination was unleashed by heroic British poetry and the renowned classics of Alfred Lloyd Tennyson and Lord Byron recited to him by his bohemian mother and Cambridge professor grandfather.
Consequently, a talent for storytelling emerged in his teenage years, first in poetic form, and eventually led to written song lyrics. This unique ability served him well and set him on a path to achieve worldwide recognition as a lyricist,. Even today, Bernie Taupin is most often recognized for his longtime musical partnership – and close friendship — with Sir Elton John.
Bernie Taupin’s visual art explorations began at age 20 when on his first visit to America he discovered the works of Hans Hoffmann, Willem De Kooning, and particularly Anselm Kiefer in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
In the early 1990s, painting became the main thrust of his creative endeavors. In his early work, Taupin was inspired by groundbreaking abstract expressionists including Hans Hoffmann, Franz Kline, Anselm Kiefer and Robert Rauschenberg.
Taupin says, “As in any creative field, we start by emulating work we like, following the path that ultimately leads to finding our own vision, a style we feel is original and unique in its own beliefs, on its own merits.”
HOURS/ADMISSION/DETAILS
Museum hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn more at the museum’s website biblicalarts.org and at BernieTaupinArt.com.”
7500 Park Lane
Dallas, TX
214-368-4622
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