Artwork copyright Rob Gischer. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Message to Magritte, 1982

Rob Gischer
(American, born 1934)

Location: Montesano Junior-Senior High School, Montesano

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Message to Magritte is a painting by artist Rob Gischer. It is part of a body of work that plays with the energetic interaction of photo-realistic images and abstract backgrounds. This piece references 20th century Belgian artist René Magritte, known for combining ordinary imagery into dream-like and unusual compositions. This piece appears like a picture in a picture. A background of branches and sky is inset by images of a broken mirror, a photograph, and stones. The artist notes, "I strive for a harmony between chaos and order in my work and my environment. I find beauty not only in order, but in chaos. Nature provides the order and man the chaos… Man's journey across environmental surfaces is unsubstantial and fleeting, eventually erased by the elements and time –he is at best a reflection, a shadow on the surface or an imprint in the soil –only traces will remain to mark his passage."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Rob Gischer creates paintings that explore realistic imagery while playing with optical illusions and abstractions. He notes that: "I am first and foremost a Northwest artist, dealing with Northwest imagery, color, texture and ambiance."

Gischer grew up in Bellingham and Blaine, Northwestern Washington, and he continues to live and make art in that area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 and a Master of Arts degree in art education in 1974, both from Western Washington University in Bellingham. During the 19050s, he spent two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in France. He taught at Blaine High School (art and television production) from 1967-1996, as well as at Whatcom Community College from 1970-1975.