Alice Neel : Self Portrait 1980
A Poem Dedicated to the Painting
pale, over-plump,
nakedness brutal,
you curve visibly
like a woman should.
You're split emotionally
half blue-edged
with the burial of friends
half sun-blasted
with completed paintings.
Through time-sharpened gaze
your mind
registers wintry cold
etches geometric planes to offset
desire.
When your hand crafts body
with love,
balances perspective,
removes no truth,
adds zing,
you're rendered up as art.
Alice Neel was one of the great American painters of the twentieth century. She was also a pioneer among women artists.[1]
Published by Sheri Fresonke Harper
Sheri works as a freelance writer, novelist and poet. She worked in the aviation industry at the Port of Seattle and Boeing Company for 20 years as a systems analyst/architect where she edited and wrote over... View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentNice poetic tribute.
Another great piece of work.
A great celebration of her legacy!
The imagery in this piece is something else....Thanks for sharing this.
I am blown away by the places your words took me in this beautifully crafted poem, Sheri! There was not a line that didn't open my mind wider and catch my breath. I've always admired Mary Cassatt and her subjects. Now I need to explore Alice Neel. Thank-you!
Nice tribute.
Wonderful expressive piece.
This is absolutely fantastic!!!!
Pretty durn cool.
I want to learn more about Alice Neel now. Off to find examples of her artwork. I also find the line that Kankadurga found to be very compelling.