Rick Bartow (1946-2016)

Rick Bartow's tribal affiliation and heritage is Wiyot of Northern California. Personal experiences, cultural engagement and global myths, especially Native American transformation stories, are the heart of his art. Animals and self-portraits populate his iconography, and he is known for astute interpretations of literary, musical and visual sources.

Rick Bartow's honors include:"We Were Always Here", a large scale sculpture commissioned by The Smithsonian/National Museum of the American Indian, which sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; "Dog's Journey: A 20 Year Survey", at The A.D. Gallery, University of North Carolina, Pembroke, and Missoula Art Museum, (2011-2012); a bronze sculpture purchased by TriMet, located on Portland's transit mall; a mid-career perspective and monograph "My Eye", organized by the Hallie Ford Museum (2002-04); "Continuum", at The Smithsonian/ NMAI (2003); and The Eiteljorg Museum Fellowship for Native American Fine Art, Indianapolis (2001).

Rick Bartow passed in April 2016, peacefully, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Bartow was a singular, clear, strong, and accomplished voice in the contemporary art world and will be missed for his passion, vitality and artistic vision. Chiaroscuro works directly with the Bartow Estate and Froelick Gallery in Portland, Oregon to present the best available Bartow pieces.

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