American Bison Belt, By Taylor Gallegos

30” x 60”

$7,000

Acrylic on Canvas

2023

In this evocative artwork by Taylor Gallegos, the majestic American Bison is brought to life with a powerful intensity and raw emotion that speaks volumes of its historical significance and the tumultuous journey it has endured. The bison's gaze is direct and piercing, confronting the viewer with a silent testimony to the resilience and suffering of a species that once roamed the vast "Great Bison Belt" of North America. Gallegos' masterful use of texture and contrast captures the rugged beauty of the bison, symbolizing the wild spirit of the American frontier now confined to the pages of history. The subtle interplay of light and shadow across the canvas mirrors the plight of the bison, from their near extinction in the late 19th century to their cautious resurgence today. This painting is not just a portrait; it's a poignant reminder of the fragile relationship between humans and nature, and a call to preserve the diversity that enriches our planet. The bison's steady gaze is an invitation to reflect on our past actions and a hopeful look towards a future where balance with the natural world is restored. This print is a must-have for those who appreciate wildlife art and wish to hold a piece of history and contemplation within their space.

Artist Statement: This painting is an homage to the great American Bison, a species native to North America. I feel that these animals are a perfect representation of the negative impact that we humans have had on the natural world in the past few hundred years. These buffalo historically had a range called the “Great Bison Belt” that stretched from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the East to the West Coast of America. As late at the 1800’s they had a population of over 60 million, but were reduced down to as little as 541 individuals in 1889. That number has been increased to over 30,000 nowadays but is still just a shadow of its past expansion. The near extinction was caused mainly by commercial hunting and intentional slaughter as part of the subjugation of the Native Americans by the U.S. Government. This unfortunate reality is one of an almost infinite number of examples of how Nature and biodiversity are negatively impacted by the drama and shortsighted decisions of humanity.