James Bama, The Prospector

James Bama (1926-2022) Influenced by photography, abstract expressionism, pop art, and illustration, Bama fused these media and styles into an ultra-detailed brand of realism based on complex compositions. Unlike many artists working in the American West at the time, he steadfastly refused to paint the Old West but instead dedicated his career to painting real people of the modern West. His portraits are quite stunning. In this piece, I do believe you can read this Prospector's entire life in every rip, tear, sweat stain, and line on his face.