Cigar Store Indian 1935 - 1942

This striking watercolor called 'Cigar Store Indian' was made by Marius Hansen, who lived from 1855 to 1995. You can see Hansen's dedication to his craft in the piece, a close observation of the world. The material quality in this painting, especially the brown hues, feels so precise and purposeful. Look at how Hansen handles color, with these earthy shades suggesting an inherent connection to the natural world. There's a spot on the base of the sculpture where the brown paint bleeds into a lighter tone, evoking a sense of depth and age, which I find really mesmerizing. In a way, Hansen’s work reminds me of Ed Paschke. Both artists, in their own ways, use the process of painting to tap into something visceral, something beyond the surface. Artmaking is an ongoing conversation. Hansen embraces the inherent ambiguity, and offers a visual experience that resonates long after the first glance.