Eugene Von Bruenchenhein
(Marinette, Wisconsin, 1910 - 1983, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
This Wisconsin artist worked over a forty-year period to create an unusually large variety of art, from paintings, sculptures and musical instruments to poetry and prose. He did not focus on oil painting until 1954, after press coverage of H-Bomb testing made him aware of the potential for nuclear destruction. This information tormented him, finding an outlet in apocalyptic imaginary scenes. Von Bruenchenhein worked on these paintings with his fingers, sticks, burlap and other objects, achieving an incredible sense of space and light.
His camera work began around the time of his marriage in 1943, when he started photographing his wife, Marie. She was depicted in various stages of undress, sometimes wearing crowns or other headdresses made by her husband. These photographs are believed to have been collaborative efforts. Marie not only modeled but assisted with the hand-coloring and possibly in the selection of settings, props and poses.