$1,800

American
1994

Tantra series painting by artist and counter-cultural icon Ben Morea. Morea’s exploits during the 1960’s, as co-founder of the anarchist/activist collective Black Mask (thence Up Against the Wall Motherf%#$r), are well documented. His trajectory as an artist is catching up, with solo shows at White Columns and Boo-Hooray, a 2016 article in the New York Times, and a forthcoming 400-page semi-autobiography. Morea began painting in the early 1960’s, under the tutelage of Aldo Tambellini and the influence of 19th century vitalist biologist D’Arcy Thompson. He abandoned painting for direct urban activism with a goal of “total revolution” in the mid-1960’s, went off the grid altogether in 1969, returning to art again in the late 1980’s, after a few decades literally in the wilderness. The present series was painted from his base in Colorado; it combines geometric and animistic elements and shows the influence of avatars Kasimir Malevich and Thompson. What unites Morea’s work, from his earliest efforts to his current output, is the motif of the circle that represents, in his words, the organic flow of life. Acrylic and spray paint on heavy paper, 26” x 39.75”. Signed lower right (BME) and dated to June of 1994 (6/94). Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist.

Condition
Good overall condition with some bumping to extremities, especially along the top edge. The work had been stored flat and not exposed to light, so colors are still bold and vibrant.

Measurements
Height: 39.75 in.
Width: 26 in.

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/techniques: Acrylic and spray paint on heavy paper