All You Need to Know About Thomas Brent Smith Speech at Whitney Western Art Museum

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

The Whitney Western Art Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is thrilled to announce a special Peter Hassrick Public Program on Tuesday, July 9th, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Center’s Coe Auditorium. This free program features renowned art director Thomas Brent Smith, who will delve into the fascinating world of James Bama’s photographs.

A Homecoming and Deep Dive

Smith, the Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, has a special connection to Bama. As a 2005 Fellow at the McCracken Research Library, Smith researched Bama’s art for his Master’s thesis. This experience fostered a deep understanding, as Smith not only studied Bama’s work but also interviewed him personally.

Beyond Delineation: Photography as Artistic Fuel

The program, titled “James Bama’s Photographs: An Essential Tool,” explores how Bama, known for his realism, used photography as a springboard for his artistic vision. Bama’s photographs weren’t simple reference points; they were a way to connect with diverse subjects and meticulously plan his finished works. Through his lens, Bama captured the essence of the Mountain West and its people, some of whom would become the faces of his iconic paintings.

A Timely Series Capturing Social and Artistic Influences

The program will delve into a captivating series of Bama’s photographs and paintings that coincided with the rise of the American Indian Movement. This series reflects not only a crucial political moment but also Bama’s artistic inspirations, ranging from photographers like Edward S. Curtis and Richard Avedon to art movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.

Meet the Expert: Thomas Brent Smith’s Accomplished Career

Since taking the helm of the Fred Jones Museum in 2021, Smith has spearheaded strategic initiatives focused on financial stability, community engagement, and overall organizational health. Previously, he spent thirteen years as director of the Denver Art Museum’s Petrie Institute of Western American Art. Under his leadership, the Petrie Institute achieved remarkable growth and national recognition. Smith’s accomplishments include a successful $7 million endowment campaign and the acquisition of several significant collections, including one of the museum’s most valuable gifts of art.

Smith is renowned for curating innovative exhibitions that resonate with audiences and garner critical acclaim. During his tenure at the Denver Art Museum, he launched a series of ambitious exhibitions, publications, and programs, including collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Don’t miss this free opportunity to gain insights into the artistic genius of James Bama with renowned art director Thomas Brent Smith!

Tags: American travel news, Art, Buffalo Bill Center, Center's Coe Auditorium, James Bama's photographs, Museum, Peter Hassrick Public Program, Public Program, Thomas Brent Smith, Travel Event news, Whitney Western Art Museum