|
Ralph Chesse
(1907-1975)
A painter and muralist born in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 6, 1900, Chesse began painting at age 17 and remained a self-taught artist except for a few months spent at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1918. He came to California in 1923, and after a brief time in Hollywood, settled in San Francisco. In 1934 he was one of 26 artists chosen by the federal government under the Public Works of Art Project to paint the frescoes in Coit Tower. His work there is entitled "Playground." Motivated by color, he explored many styles of modern painting. In 1984 Chesse retired to Ashland, Oregon where he remained until his death on March 17, 1991. As well as a painter, he was a well-known puppeteer.
Exhibited: Modern Gallery, San Francisco, 1927; San Francisco Art Association, 1928 (prize), 1929; Oakland Art Gallery, 1928; San Francisco Museum of Art, 1941 (solo); Meet the Artist Show, De Young Museum, 1943 (self-portrait); Labaudt Gallery, San Francisco, 1962.
Source:
Hughes, Edan M. Artists In California 1786-1940. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Sacramento: Crocker, Art Museum, 2002. N. pag. 2 vols. Print.
|
|
|
|
|
