Bert Geer Phillips and the Taos Art Colony
In 1898, portraitist and muralist Phillips (1868-1956) became the first Anglo artist to make his home in Taos, where he remained until shortly before his death. Phillips played an aggressive role in establishing Taos as an art mecca that, by the early 20th century, had attracted some of the nation's most prominent artists. This comprehensive study tells the story of Phillips's life and explains how Anglo painters appropriated Native and Hispanic cultures to transform this sleepy village in northern New Mexico into an American habitat. Paintings from throughout Phillips's career, checklists of works and exhibitions, and excerpts from his writings are included here. Family cooperation in the research, records, and photographs soften the academic approach and help form an intimate portrait. Essential for regional and strong American collections.Russell T. Clement, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.