When I think of Albuquerque’s preeminent art scene at the mid twentieth century, I think of Raymond Jonson, Jack and Alice Garver, Connie Fox, Dick Kurman, Don Ivers, Bainbridge Bunting, John Tatchel, and Herb Goldman. I think of visiting UNM professor and artist Elaine de Kooning, who did as much as anyone to bring this group together, and help nudge several of them to national prominence. Many of these artists are long gone. Others have moved elsewhere.
Herb Goldman, who died in September 2012, was one of New Mexico’s most unique and powerful artists. A memorial to his life and work, including a screening of “Herb Goldman: A Lifetime of Limitless Possibilities,” will take place at the South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, on May 9th, 6-8 p.m. I’ve seen the film; it is excellent. Those who remember Goldman as I do, from the late 1950s, those who know and love his work but have yet to view the film, and those who may not have heard his name, should not miss this opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary New Mexican sculptor.
The South Broadway Cultural Center will also host an exhibit, “Albuquerque Art – A Look Back,” which will include Goldman’s work along with other post World War II Albuquerque artists. Among those featured will be Richard Diebenkorn, Connie Fox, Robert Walters, Adja Yunkers, Pat Smith, Frank McCulloch, and Bob and Peg Horton. More information on all these events may be obtained from Goldman’s daughter, Lisa, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Goldman was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1922, and entered his chosen profession at the age of 12 when he apprenticed to Samuel A. Cashwan. He eventually traveled the world studying, making sculpture, and teaching. His large-scale works can be seen throughout this country and as far away as Africa. He is “ours” by virtue of his twenty years in Albuquerque and the art he left in the state.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Goldman entered the University of New Mexico, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in sculpture and drawing in 1949. Throughout the 1950s, he taught sculpture, ceramics, welding, drawing, and design, at UNM and privately. He worked in a great variety of materials, including terra-cotta, plaster concrete, terrazzo, wood, and stone. His style and forms emerged from his creative use of materials.
Although many of Goldman’s sculptures were surprising, one of his major pieces is in Roswell. It’s called “The Henge.” The artist designed this house-sized work at the request of Don and Sally Andersen and within the context of their half-century old Roswell Artists in Residence Program. No one lives at The Henge. It stands as an imposing sculpture a few miles outside the city of Roswell, on Andersen family property. Without permission, it is not possible to visit the interior or even get closer than the road that runs a full acre beyond the building itself. People fortunate enough to have been inside, say the blocks of negative space mirror the outer forms in particularly interesting ways. Even viewing The Henge from a distance, though, is a worthwhile experience.
Herb Goldman was one of New Mexico’s treasures. Help celebrate his life and work by attending the events at The South Broadway Cultural Center and by finding out more about one of our finest artists.
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