Exhibitions

RICHARD PAINTER: BURGHERS OF CALAIS

Zeitgeist Gallery / 516 Hagan St., #100 April 5 - 26th

Richard Painter

Richard Painter’s ensemble of 5 painted panels executed on sewn felt were the product of a six month residency in Liestal, outside Basel, Switzerland, sponsored by the Christoph Marian Foundation which, at the time, was partnered with Austin Peay University.

Based on Rodin's Burghers of Calais, this work commemorates the heroism of six leading citizens (burghers) who in the fourteenth century, offered their lives to the English king in exchange for the lifting of his siege of their city at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War. Having seen the casting of the Burghers in Paris, Painter took his cues from another casting found outdoors at the Kunsthalle in Basel for its weathered patina, and from German multi-media artist Joseph Beuys’ use of felt for its symbolic, transformative power.

Richard Painter is a native of Gainesboro, Tennessee whose work can be found in the private collections of the CEO of Coca-Cola, the Vice President of Turner Broadcasting, and the President of American General as well as the Tennessee State Museum.

Painter lives and works in Smithville, Tennessee, and has exhibited in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Germany, and Switzerland.