Lot 5
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005) and Rosie Lee Light (American, 1934-2004). "Big Fishes" painting on board, ca. late 1980s. Signed by both artists at lower right; titled on verso. A delightful painting by American Outsider Artists Joe Louis Light and Rosie Lee Light titled "Big Fishes." The abstract composition features a large fish behind a petaled flower with a river below and a cloud above, all rendered in striking hues of persimmon, navy, crimson, mocha, mauve, scarlet, emerald, lavender, chiffon, and sky blue. Light's artwork heavily featured Christian themes of salvation and transformation. For example, he uses cruciform trees and flowers, like the one seen here, to symbolize temptations, often carnal temptation, but also as a preventive reminder of the beguiling words of preachers in pulpits. Lights rivers, as in this example, separate the material world (foreground) from the spiritual one (background), suggesting baptism as a requisite to enter heaven. Size of painting: 32.75" W x 28" H (83.2 cm x 71.1 cm); of frame: 35" W x 30" H (88.9 cm x 76.2 cm)
About the aristoi Light, born Joe Lewis Light and named after the famous boxer, viewed his name as a responsibility, connecting it to spiritual enlightenment. He saw himself as a fighter against societal ills, aiming to provide guidance to his community. Light's artistic expression began with biblical messages on public surfaces, evolving into painted signs in his yard that addressed social issues, family values, and government criticisms. Despite his public messages, he maintained a self-imposed isolation, feeling his family was safer within his fenced yard.
Light's artistic and religious views were deeply intertwined. He converted to Judaism after hearing Old Testament readings in prison, finding its stern God more fitting than his father's Baptist religion. However, his art heavily incorporated Christian themes of salvation and transformation. He used symbolic imagery, such as cruciform flowers and rivers, to represent temptations and spiritual journeys. His theological stance was unique, blending elements of Judaism and Christianity while rejecting what he perceived as "white man's Christianity.
Light's art was influenced by his time selling goods at flea markets, where he encountered a variety of pop culture and everyday objects. He incorporated these items into his paintings, using them as symbolic elements in his personal iconography. His work often featured landscapes and imagery from Western films and postcards, reflecting his view of himself as a pioneer in a hostile world. His art was laden with conflicting mythologies, such as Christianity versus Judaism and cowboy versus Indian, and he positioned himself as a critic of human failings across all groups. Light's art was intended to convey his personal truths, but he was wary of widespread recognition, fearing that his messages would be suppressed. He believed his art redeemed everyday objects and transformed them into tools for spiritual enlightenment. His work included painted narratives on his home, reinterpreted song lyrics, and symbolic self-portraits aimed at both himself and his community. He felt misunderstood and persecuted, believing that his "kind of truth" was unwelcome. He died in 2005. (summarized from "River Deep, Mountain High" by William Arnett from artist's bio on "Souls Grown Deep" website)
Provenance: private Rochester, Minnesota, USA collection, acquired from 1990 -1998
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#192924
- Condition: Signed by both artists at lower right; titled on verso. Set in custom frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Some minor chipping to corners with dust and cobwebs between painting and frame; all of which can be easily cleaned. Fissure to upper right side of painting and some nicks to frame. Otherwise, nice presentation with good pigments.
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