Tarmen 1985

"Tarmen" (1985) by Bo Bartlett (b. 1955) is a realist painting depicting four men working on a construction site. Their bare torsos and the heavy labor they are engaged in give a sense of physicality and toil. The men's postures and the muted color palette contribute to a sense of quiet dignity and strength. The backdrop of a cityscape adds a social dimension to the scene, suggesting that the work they are doing is part of a larger project. Bartlett's work often focuses on the lives of ordinary people and the beauty to be found in everyday work.