From New York to New Mexico: A Celebration of Emil Bisttram's Artistic Vision

SANTA FE REPORTER - Evident in his intricate form of expressionism and use of enticing hues, Emil Bristtram’s art presents his power, perseverance and, perhaps most importantly, positivity as an artist. His works transport and tempt his audience comfortably into the metaphorical eye of the storm, finding calm in his calculated colorful chaos.In 1975, New Mexico Governor Jerry Apodaca declared April 7 Emil Bisttram Day, a state holiday honoring the late artist’s cultural influence on New Mexico-inspired transcendental artistic endeavors. Bisttram’s illustrious career captured his exploration of spirituality, philosophy and abstraction through many artistic mediums. His distinctive stylistic choices and techniques seen throughout the entirety of his collection create a visual journey of self-actualization and awareness. Unfortunately, most New Mexicans have forgotten this celebratory holiday and the artist it commemorates.To remind the community of Bisttram’s influence and the cultural significance of his work, there is the Addison Rowe Gallery’s annual Emil Bisttram Day Show, which opens Friday April 7 and runs through May 20.Bisttram was born on the Hungarian-Romanian border on 1895, and his family immigrated to New York in 1906. Bisttram showed a strong desire to paint early on, and ultimately started working as a commercial artist in 1912—yes, that would be at age 17.

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