William Barnhart - Two Horses

Mesa

William Barnhart - Two Horses

1 W Main St, Mesa

William Barnhart’s Two Horses is an interesting example of figurative art (art that represents an actual object; in this case, two horses) that has nonrepresentational leanings (art that is not meant to accurately depict an object as it is, like the lumpy hides of the horses).  In this case it gives the horses a rougher feel which makes them appear almost mythical.   Two Horses is also scaled down from a horse's actual size, again hinting at something other-worldly.

Barnhart, an Arizona State University graduate and Mesa resident, uses this same combination or figurative and nonrepresentational art in his oil paintings.  He is clearly depicting people, but they are almost like comic book characters with unclear edges and out-of-proportion body parts.  It can be unsettling to look at, but maybe Barnhart has done this for a reason.   

At the William Barnhart Studio site, we get this insight into Barnhart’s approach:

My contemporary figurative artworks are an exploration of the drama, the emotional complexities, the mental and spiritual realities of this human experience we are suspended in.  I strive to unravel and engage the viewer in universal truths that transcend the boundaries of social class, politics, nationalities, religion, and even time itself.

If this is the case, then maybe Barnhart wants us to look past the horses as objects and look instead at how these animals fit into our lives on a deeper level.  This makes looking at Barnhart’s beautiful sculpture more than an aesthetic exercise, requiring greater effort of us as viewers.  But this is what can make art so rewarding.  

Two Horses is part of Mesa’s Downtown Mesa Art Walk.  Give yourself the time to enjoy all of the great art the city has brought to the downtown.  

Last verified 08/2020.