Let’s Connect Residency
at the Barnes Foundation
For the first time ever, The Barnes Foundation launched an open call for local artists in Philadelphia called “Let’s Connect.” A collaboration with Mural Arts, artists living or working in Philadelphia were invited to submit an 8 X 10 inch work inspired by a piece in the Barnes collection.
From May 21 to June 4, 310 artists were on display, and both the public and a team of 75 curators cast their votes to select four winners who would get their very own artist residency at the celebrated museum's Mural Arts Studio at the Barnes.
One of the chosen winners, Eric Goldberg was selected from over 300 Philadelphia artists. He will be having a Residency at the Barnes
from January 1st 2019 to March 31st.
Goldberg’s statement, which accompanied his painting states:
The Postman (Joseph-Étienne Roulin), by Vincent Van Gogh, 1889
Each time I visit The Barnes Collection, I find myself gravitating to the Vincent Van Gogh painting The Postman. Initially I thought it was the hypnotic stare of the subject that so strongly attracted me, but I now know it is more. Van Gogh has not simply painted an imitation of Joseph Roulin’s appearance; he has expressed the man’s character, his inner being. Van Gogh has depicted Joseph Roulin as a person of wisdom and integrity, a person of great strength of character who exudes both intelligence and warmth.
I am a fortunate man. I too have a postal carrier who possesses the attributes that Van Gogh expressed in his portrait of Joseph Roulin. Barbara Jean Griffin has been delivering my mail since I moved to my present address in 2012. Her open, friendly disposition was apparent from our first meeting. In the years I have known her, she has proven to be a person of genuine warmth, intelligence, integrity and wisdom. It was an honor to have her sit for me.
Barbara Jean Griffin, by Eric Goldberg,
2018