David Bates (American, b. 1952). Tennessee Street II, 2007. Oil on canvas. 24 x 36 inches (61.0 x 91.4 cm). Signed lower...

Description

David Bates (American, b. 1952)
Tennessee Street II, 2007
Oil on canvas
24 x 36 inches (61.0 x 91.4 cm)
Signed lower right: Bates
Signed, dated, titled, and inscribed on the stretcher bar: David Bates / Tennessee Street II / 2007 o/c

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Betty Cunningham Gallery, New York;
Private collection.

EXHIBITED:
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri (and elsewhere), "David Bates: The Katrina Paintings," May 21-August 22, 2010.

LITERATURE:
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri, David Bates: The Katrina Paintings, exhibition catalogue, 2010, p. 97, pl 38.


David Bates, born in 1952, is a prominent figure in the contemporary American art scene, celebrated for his powerfully expressive and vibrant works. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Bates developed an affinity for the Southern United States' natural landscapes and began exploring this interest through his art. His body of work seamlessly traverses different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and works on paper, all treated with his signature bold, energetic strokes and rich textures. A master of color and form, Bates' approach fosters a raw, seemingly tactile manifestation of his subject matter, which bears a stark yet beguiling simplicity in its presentation.

Renowned for his non-academic self-style that bridges the Impressionism and Expressionism movements, Bates' work is imbued with deep personal reflection and marked by distinctive local flavor. His art manages to encapsulate the essence of the American South, touching upon themes of nature, human endurance, and the turbulent beauty of the world, that continue to draw collectors and galleries alike. No where is this more evident than in David Bates Hurricane Katrina artworks.

The artistic responses to Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history, have been a testament to the resilience and strength of human spirit amid tragic circumstances. Within the powerful canvas of Tennessee Street II, 2007, David Bates captured not just the quantifiable destruction - homes swept away, communities enveloped in floodwaters - but also the profound emotional trauma and resilience that emerged in its aftermath.

Tennessee Street II, 2007 depicts a desolate New Orleans streetscape, void of human presence. Homes once buzzing with life are now vacant shells, their vibrant hues faded and marred by nature. Ragged remnants of what once were people's lives lie strewn about. Yet, amid the desolation, remnants of life's tenacity are evident in the form of a tree still strong with defiant vibrancy. This canvas is not just portraiture of a moment in time; they are deeply emotional chronicles of resilience, communal spirit, and the indomitable human will to rebuild and thrive. David Bates lays bare the raw emotions of a city wrought by disaster, while simultaneously honoring the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.


More information about David Bates. See also: Bates, David Artist.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.