Artwork copyright Brian Chapman. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brian Chapman. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Swallow, 2000

Brian Chapman
(American, born 1954, died 2004)

Location: Governor John Rogers High School, Puyallup

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Swallow is an expressive painting by artist Brian Chapman, composed to imply the movement of air. This piece is part of a series of paintings that examine "the idea of migration as an analogy for the transformation we all experience in life." Chapman further noted that his examination of the element of air "intimately describes our lives and how we are continually buffeted by forces outside of ourselves. Yet, even with such power beckoning and pushing we still have the choice to move where and how we want."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Puyallup School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist and teacher Brian Chapman (1954-2004) was born in Seattle and attended Bellevue Community College and the University of Washington in Seattle. A painter and dancer, Chapman's work was featured in solo and group exhibitions nationally, and he was a member of faculty at the Northwest School in Seattle.