Jean Dibble “Burden of Shame”, Large Postmodern Pastel, 1981

An expansive postmodern pastel on paper titled “Burden of Shame” by Jean Dibble. Created in 1981, it represents an early and atypical work by the artist and educator, who’s been exhibiting nationally and internationally since 1978.

Lively American Southwest scene features dynamic Memphis design motifs and colors, channeling the postmodern design and architecture movement defined by Memphis Group founder Ettore Sottsass in 1980. A pair of Keith Haring-like dogs react to the first drops of rain under a starry desert sky, with unexpected yet assured shapes and shading techniques generating delightful dimensional tension between them and their environment.

Dibble would later go on to establish herself as an esteemed printmaker and educator, becoming one of the founding members of the Mid America Print Council, a visual collaborator of poet John Matthias, and a professor of printmaking at the University of Notre Dame. She was awarded professor emerita upon retirement, and continues to practice art from her new studio in Colorado.

Likely part of the artist’s “Dogs in New Mexico” series. Circular signature symbol at bottom right corner. On heavy weight cotton rag paper with deckle edge. Float-mounted over light grey mat board under acrylic glazing in original custom teak frame. Signed “Jean A. Dibble”, titled, and dated on back.

Overall dimensions are H 35 in. x W 45 in. x D 2 in.. Art is H 30.75 in. x W 41.5 in. Art in great vintage condition. Frame with a few tiny, inconsequential marks. Glazing very clean with minimal signs of wear and no notable marks or scratches. A very small amount of dust present at bottom corners of frame between glazing and mat.