Roundup 2010

Devin Leonardi painted this evocative image on linen, a traditional material prized for its smooth, receptive surface. The matte quality of the paint, likely acrylic or oil, lends a dreamlike quality to the scene. Leonardi skillfully deploys color, creating a vivid contrast between the soft, pastel sky and the muted tones of the covered wagons and lone figure. The meticulous application of paint speaks to a labor-intensive process, almost meditative. This careful attention to detail adds to the artwork's serene yet unsettling atmosphere. It feels as if the painting asks us to reflect on the romance and hardship of westward expansion. It’s tempting to think of easel painting as a rarefied activity, set apart from the workaday world. But in fact, it is very much a part of it. The cost of canvas and paint, the space required, and the time involved all speak to a particular set of economic and social conditions. Understanding these elements allows us to appreciate the depth of the work, questioning our assumptions about art, labor, and the stories we tell ourselves about history.