Gary Patterson & Marion Barnes

(American, contemporary)

Professor Longhair (This Joint Rocks), circa 1999

Assembled and painted wood with mosaic and applied elements

6' H x 4' W x 4" D

Patterson and Barnes huge mixed media wall sculpture titled, "This Joint Rocks" features a caricature-style pianist "Professor Longhair" standing at an upright piano beneath a light fixture. The architectural frame includes decorative elements and applied embellishments. Constructed with layered materials including wood, painted surfaces, and mosaic trim. Wired for hanging. This piece was acquired in New Orleans, LA by the owners in 1999 for $6,525 at Bryant Galleries.

About the artists: "Patterson and Barnes paintings capture the powerful and expressive feelings conveyed in the making of jazz and blues. The expressiveness of many of their paintings is heightened by the evocative use of a purposeful exaggeration and abstraction. What makes the painting even more unique is that each painting is a collaborative effort between them using many mediums including acrylic, watercolor, India ink, collage and constructions. They feel that their artwork is enriched by the infusion of their personal creativity, interests and past experiences. The two met in the late 80’s while studying in Alabama under Bill Yeager. During this time they painted separately and critiqued one another’s work. They first collaborated in 1990 and soon developed a series of paintings based on jazz and blues musicians. This series was born from their mutual interest in these original American art forms and the emotional power they expressed.

Their popularity extended to private and corporate collectors including Jimmy Buffet, Chris Rock, Peter Weller and Whoopi Goldberg. They have created commissioned paintings for the Country Music Association headquarters, House of Blues blues clubs, B.B. King’s Blues Clubs and the Hard Rock Casino-Hotel. In addition, the McIlhenny Company, makers of Tabasco brand pepper sauce, commissioned Patterson and Barnes to create a painting for the cover of their Tabasco Cookbook."

Very good, showing only minor signs of wear. Light fixtures tested working and plug into wall. Wired for hanging. photos for more condition details.