Taogaea (Eddie Powell) Large Abstract with lyrics by Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) 1972 Oil on Canvas P2642

`An occasional feature of this unique artist's work was his predilection for inserting, in tiny writing, quotes he found meaningful and that he related to the painting. And in this case he is quoting from Bob Dylan's song, Ballad of a Thin Man. You can see the tiny letters marching like a column of ants along the crest of the contours of the two main shapes, completely integrated, pulsing spirit.

An artist like Taogaea is impossible to categorize, but people have tried... Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, Visionary, even Hippy, but in truth, and truth is what he's always been after, he is a free spirit in whose work we can glimpse America's soul in the turbulent 60's and 70's. And a helluva painter.

Canvas measures 28" x38", and the frame is 29 1/4" x 39 1/4".

From a contemporary description of his life and oeuvre that really puts it, and him, in the context of his time and place:

“Powell has embarked on an exploration of nature and life, he brings emotion and reason into balance, enhanced by technical virtuosity so that both his understanding and your understanding are expanded. His latest journey has taken him to the Southwest, where the vibrant colors, incredible energy and the history of the Southwest come to life in a style that is uniquely - Eddie Powell. The technique Powell has developed is the natural denouncement of the past few years he has spent in Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and California. He is always in search of “fun ways to look at art,” first exploring, then perfecting methods enabling him to capture His experiences within each piece. His unique integration of patterns, colors and textures (some achieved by using organic materials from the land) gives you the quintessence of the Southwest.

Powell is Comanche/Welsh and was born in Lubbock, Texas. He received his Masters at Texas Tech University. In the early 60’s he married Johnnie Jo Day. He and his new wife soon relocated to California and started a family. During this time his works through the years have created long lasting and memorable impressions. His collectors include numerous celebrities and his works have been commissioned by corporations, privately owned businesses, restaurants and hotels. TAOGAEA is the name he signed to his earlier works in honor of his children, his son TAO and daughter GAEA. TAO, is an early Chinese philosophy term meaning “Universal Truth” and GAEA, comes from Greek Mythology meaning “Mother Earth”. From his high contrast portraits to mastering Gyotaku (an ancient Japanese technique used to transfer the image directly from an inked fish to fabric or paper), Powell’s creative genius continues to evolve. His extensive travels through the Southwest have lead to his latest Southwestern dimensional approach. This is another exciting quest in a long line of classic, original painting genres. Powell’s works bring together elements that are unique and different which have been transformed and perfected over his years behind the easel.”

And here are the complete lyrics of Bob's 1965 song. Because this is the key to understanding the painting.

You walk into the room
With your pencil in your hand
You see somebody naked
And you say, “Who is that man?”
You try so hard
But you don’t understand
Just what you’ll say
When you get home

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You raise up your head
And you ask, “Is this where it is?”
And somebody points to you and says
“It’s his”
And you say, “What’s mine?”
And somebody else says, “Where what is?”
And you say, “Oh my God
Am I here all alone?”

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You hand in your ticket
And you go watch the geek
Who immediately walks up to you
When he hears you speak
And says, “How does it feel
To be such a freak?”
And you say, “Impossible”
As he hands you a bone

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You have many contacts
Among the lumberjacks
To get you facts
When someone attacks your imagination
But nobody has any respect
Anyway they already expect you
To just give a check
To tax-deductible charity organizations

You’ve been with the professors
And they’ve all liked your looks
With great lawyers you have
Discussed lepers and crooks
You’ve been through all of
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s books
You’re very well read
It’s well known

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Well, the sword swallower, he comes up to you
And then he kneels
He crosses himself
And then he clicks his high heels
And without further notice
He asks you how it feels
And he says, “Here is your throat back
Thanks for the loan”

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word “NOW”
And you say, “For what reason?”
And he says, “How?”
And you say, “What does this mean?”
And he screams back, “You’re a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home”

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

Well, you walk into the room
Like a camel and then you frown
You put your eyes in your pocket
And your nose on the ground
There ought to be a law
Against you comin’ around
You should be made
To wear earphones

Because something is happening here
But you don’t know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?