Do you purchase art? Not prints of well-known pieces from stores that deal in low-cost reproductions. Not Sotheby's-level pieces that cost a small fortune. Just new pieces from relatively new artists. And for no other reason than the fact that you appreciate the work and want to support the work the artist is doing. Do you do this?
In 1957, artist Charles Burchfield said:
"Much has been written, and more will be written in the future, of the importance of Edward Root as a patron of American art, and particularly of his encouragement and support of younger artists before they had achieved much of a reputation."
Edward Wales Root had the money and connections to buy pieces of art that would have been recognized instantly. He could have surrounded himself with familiar names and well-tread styles. That would have been easy. And no one would have paid his actions any mind. In reading about Mr. Root, one comes to the realization that the art was, in many ways, secondary to the friendships born out of the transactions. Root did have some form of intuition that led him to the company of artists whose work would become important, but the smartest thing Root ever did was be in the right places at the right times. It was more about the people, the individual relationships. The fact that the art ended up being amazing, that was icing on the cake. A little bit of luck never hurts.
We often view art as a solitary venture. And the work itself usually is. But a movement is rarely started by a single person. The creation of that movement not only involves the artists, but the buyers, dealers,and general enthusiasts of the work. Edward Wales Root was an artist himself. He never gained the confidence or backing to show his work in public, but the American art world is better off for it. If he had pursued a life as a working artist, the careers of many others may have missed out on having such a fierce advocate.
If Edward Wales Root were alive today and collecting art, what would he be buying?
AUSPICIOUS VISION: Edward Wales Root and American Modernism
AUGUST 23-NOVEMBER 29
