COMMUNITY COMMENT

Harris Rodvogin
Self Portrait: Thinking of Van Gogh
American
Oil on canvas
1965
1988.2

When I saw Harry's painting, my first thought was that I know of this person's work - instant recognition. My ex-husband and I lived in the Farmington Arms in New London during the early 1970s and Harry had painted a portrait of the wife of our neighbor, Fred Percy. The painting was so clear and concise that it really fascinated me when we would visit. Seeing this painting brought back many fine memories. I often wonder where the neighbors are now.

I recently watched a CNN special called Blacks in America and it lead to further thinking about this painting. I can see the connection between it and the state of mind of many African Americans in Western society - very schizophrenic or confused.

I think Harry’s painting is truly the adult version of Walter Wicks' work – an I-Spy for adults. I have always loved his work and when I was a librarian at the Groton Public Library we bought all of his I-Spy books for children.