Tony Berlant is widely recognized for his collages that feature a mix of found and artist-fabricated metal tin on panel. However, few know about his prolific collection and academic scholarship of American Southwestern artifacts, ranging from Navajo textiles to early hand tools and pottery. On occasion, these two worlds merge and elements from his artifacts collections find their way into his artwork, such as Visitation (pictured above). The swirling pattern that rises above the street scene is directly inspired by painted datura blossom motifs seen on 12th century New Mexican Mimbres pottery. An image of Berlant’s current Mimbres collection, displayed in his home, is pictured directly below.

To learn more about Tony Berlant’s artworks and his collections, click here to view a short film of artist in his home. 

This is the last week to see work Berlant’s solo exhibition Close to Home at L.A. Louver, which ends on Saturday, November 29, 2014. We will be closed on Thursday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday, but will remain open on Friday-Saturday, November 28-29.

IMAGE: (top) Tony Berlant, Visitation, 2013, artist fabricated tin and found tin collaged on plywood panel with steel brads, 58 x 43 in. (147.3 x 109.2 cm); (bottom) Tony Berlant’s Mimbres pottery collection in his Santa Monica home, 2014.