To begin, the discussion about Paul Keene and his work was a very enlightening experience. The main speaker, Ron Rumford, discussed the life of Paul Keene in depth, as the main topic of the lecture was mainly about the life of the artist. Rumford’s stressed the point that the life of Keene was very influential on the paintings that were produced, namely due to many prominent events in history. Rumford possessed a connection to the family, as he was the man who convinced Keene to put his work on display. This personal connection led to an insightful discussion that was far more in depth than if one was to search information online. Personal stories were inundated with the history of the time period in which Keene lived. The background of the …show more content…
Rumford was very educated on the material he was asked to come to the gallery and discuss, aside for the question regarding the framing of the works. When Rumford was asked a question, he elaborated more than he initially said, often sharing personal stories or a greater insight on things the audience may have desired to hear. As the research of the works was conducted by having a conversation with Keene and his family members, it was very personable. However, the research given by Ernesto Gomez regarding the time periods in which Keene lived, was a good prelude into the main discussion given by Rumford, and provided the information needed for the audience to understand the artwork that was to be discussed. Many of the artist’s comments and arguments stated that Keene was a very influential artist and was very crucial, as he recorded many of the most important moments in world history. The artistic style of Keene was a curious combination of American, European, and Haitian influence, and was, therefore, a very different style of art for his time. Rumford also stated that, although Keene was mainly a painter, Keene’s prints and works on paper were as important as his works on canvas. Mind, that statement was a personal one, but I enjoyed that Rumford put his personal opinion into the discussion in regards to the idea within the artistic community that prints and work on paper are very near to the bottom of the hierarchy of work with paintings on canvas residing somewhere close to the top of the scale. In sum, Rumford presented a developed discussion regarding the life and work of