Lot 2
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). "The Devil's Rope" watercolor and gouache on heavy-weight archival paper, 2009. Signature and date at lower right. A stirring painting by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton portraying an energetic composition that juxtaposes imagery from the free roaming life of the open range with the concept of fenced in land ownership implemented by the invention of barbed wire, known to Native Americans as "devil's rope." Symbols from a Sioux Winter Count, a historical calendar with painted pictographs on a stretched animal skin outside a tipi, are painted at the top, just above a native hunter shown chasing a herd of bison. All is rendered in rich earth tones contrasted by vibrant hues of scarlet and azure. Halsey-Dutton's manner of paint application suggests age and weathering that has accrued over the course of history. Size of painting: 11" W x 30" H (27.9 cm x 76.2 cm); of shadowbox: 2.75" L x 15.5" W x 34.5" H (7 cm x 39.4 cm x 87.6 cm)
What's more, the painting is uniquely floated upon a backdrop that Halsey-Dutton painted to resemble buffalo hide and housed within a deep acrylic shadowbox that underscores the cultural importance of the theme and suggests that the artwork itself is a treasured artifact.
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. She has written the following statement about this piece which is attached to the verso, "This painting depicts a pictorial history from the era in which the land existed in an open and seemingly never-ending plain, to the concept of fenced-in land ownership. Barbed wire was referred to as 'The Devil's Rope' by native people.
The people's use of the land dates back to pre-history, and came to a very quick end. Rendered at the top of the painting are images borrowed from a Sioux winter count, known as The Big Missouri Winter Count. It spans 131 years, and dates from 1796. A winter count is a hide painting depicting an important event for each year, and was passed down within Plains Indian tribes.
The images of people from behind, united, is a powerful symbol of unity and is adapted from The Black Hawk Ledger. Stylized horses are represented, such as those found in the Leatherwood/Scares the Enemy Ledger, a Brule' Lakota from the Rosebud Reservation and the Richard Henry Pratt Papers."
About the artist: Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. Dr. Halsey-Dutton is both a professional visual artist and a fine arts educator, holding a PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona. She exhibits her artwork both nationally and internationally, and also teaches at home and abroad.
Artist Statement: "Through painting, I investigate historic narratives and how they shape contemporary society. Human culture is complexly intertwined. Physical objects, along with humans themselves, continuously circumnavigate the earth. I believe that this cyclical process of interaction invites potential for new connections and increased cultural understanding. Holding PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona, art history and world culture are my constant artistic muses and they also compel my life experiences."
Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#187222
- Condition: Overall excellent and demonstrates impressive artistry and technique. Signed and dated at bottom right. The artist has floated this painting in a deep clear acrylic shadowbox. The painting is mounted upon archival black foam core that has been attached to a Masonite backing that she painted to resemble buffalo hide. Halsey-Dutton's informative description and COA is attached to the verso of this piece. Artwork is fit with suspension wire and ready to display.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |