Bernard Arnest’s Scenes from Life (1974-5): Art, Politics, and Activism (referred to as “the website”) is a permanent online repository for Bernard Arnest’s defining series of works, Scenes from Life.
Created in 1974-75, Scenes from Life reflects on the social state and moral climate of America following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. The news cycle at the time—in familiar fashion—was noisy, polarized, and often deceptive. While many artists and commentators directed their criticisms toward the political establishment, Arnest focused instead on ordinary people’s experience of (and contribution to) violence, deception, and institutional failure on ordinary people. (Still, he makes his frustrations toward the powers-that-were apparent.)
Arnest’s critiques are rooted in his time, but his approach remains impactful today. His sensitivity to the social and moral impacts of Vietnam and Watergate resonates with contemporary viewers who experience political and social developments in the present day. The scandals of the 70s may be past, but the violence, corruption, and social impact they evoke, as well as the human urge to persevere, is perennial. Much like Francisco Goya’s Los Caprichos, a series that Arnest’s colleagues compared his work to, the Scenes are as relevant today as they were when created.
Born in Denver, Arnest’s circuitous life path led him across the country and to various nations across the globe. His roles as cultural ambassador, Chief War Artist, and professor, explored under “The Many Roles of Bernard Arnest,” shaped his artistic practice and influenced his work, especially Scenes from Life.
This website has two aims. First, Arnest’s most important series has lacked any permanent display, and the average viewer cannot easily access the works, which this site remedies. Second, Arnest’s contributions over 25 years at Colorado College cannot be overstated. As a work of public art history, writing throughout the website seeks to create an accessible and engaging narrative around Bernard Arnest as an important regional artist. In trying to articulate the perennial significance of Scenes from Life, this project hopes to make art historical research available and engaging.
Learn more about the many forks in Arnest’s life, about the history of the project itself, or browse Scenes from Life in its entirety by selecting a page on the sidebar. Viewers can find two introductions to the series, including one previously unpublished by the artist, alongside works with added interpretation.
It should be noted many works in the series contain disturbing images including but not limited to those of violence, death, and suffering. Viewers sensitive to such topics should view the works at their own discretion.