The return of Louis Bunce's controversial painting to the Portland International Airport is a fascinating tale of artistic expression, public opinion, and the enduring nature of art. This piece, once a lightning rod for criticism, now hangs in a new location, a testament to the passage of time and the evolution of public taste.
In 1958, the Port of Portland commissioned Bunce, a renowned Oregon painter, to create a mural for the airport's new passenger lobby. Bunce's abstract design, inspired by air travel, was met with bewilderment and criticism. The public's reaction was swift and strong, with one spectator quipping, 'Is this the Tillamook Burn portrayed in scrambled eggs?' The commission, initially divided, eventually voted to accept the painting, but not before a public outcry from the local arts community.
The debate surrounding Bunce's work was intense, with The Oregonian and The Oregon Journal featuring articles and letters from the public. One article even quoted a rabbi artist's thoughts on the painting, which he found apathetic. The controversy continued into the 1970s when the Port of Portland embarked on a major terminal remodel, sparking a new round of debate over the painting's fate.
The painting's history is a testament to the power of public opinion and the evolution of taste. What was once considered controversial and confusing has now become a permanent fixture in the airport, albeit with some challenges. The canvas, originally adhered to the wall with white lead, is now bubbling and warping due to changing light and humidity, requiring further restoration.
Bunce's work is a reflection of his time and place, a product of the modern art movement and the influence of air travel. His statement about the design, 'I tried to create a mural which would be as modern in concept as air travel and the building itself,' captures the essence of his intention. Despite the initial controversy, Bunce's legacy is secure, with his works now housed in prestigious institutions like the Portland Art Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
The story of Bunce's painting is a reminder that art is a dynamic and often contentious force. It challenges us to think, to feel, and to question. It is a window into the past, a mirror to the present, and a glimpse into the future of artistic expression.
