Albatross 1918
Oil on Canvas with Collaged Elements 37" x 37"
1997
Created for a painting class. The assignment dictated that the painting address some sort of patterned or decorative surface without necessarily identifying the object itself. Joe took the opportunity to explore the sophisticated camouflage patterns, technical markings and decorations employed by the manufacturers, pilots and squadrons of the German Air Service toward the end of the First World War. The absurd combination of medieval heraldry, industrial soullessness and mechanical brutality that emerged from the references begged to be interpreted through a Cubist/Dadaist idiom of collage/painting appropriate to the time and place. World War One buffs take heed that, uncharacteristically for Joe, technical accuracy concerning the aircraft details, patterns and colors of the camouflage and the precise representation codes was thrown to the wind on this impression.
Available for purchase.
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Paintings
The foundation of Joe's work. In painting, Joe discovered the possibilities for visual communication and the greatest historical inspiration. His canvasses are largely earlier works, though he will return from time to time to paint on panels or found surfaces.
