Water Wheel

Artist James Chatelain (American, born 1947)

Date1978

MediumOil on paper mounted to canvas

Dimensions51 1/2 × 57 in. (130.8 × 144.8 cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineGift of James Pearson Duffy, 2008

Object numberUAC3579

DescriptionBorn in Ohio, James Chatelain studied at Wayne State. As an active member in the Cass Corridor movement, he helped in the formation of the Willis Gallery. Chatelain’s most well-known works often feature ambiguous encounters or conflicts between two or more figures and sedated colors, and are known as the mugging paintings. Made only a few years before his move to New York, 109 – Water Wheel is unlike many of his other, earlier works, and is suggestive of his transition into landscapes and still lifes.

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