At Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, this summer, two captivating new works by artist Eric J. Taubert invite viewers to immerse themselves in the nuanced essence of Perkins Cove. Taubert’s latest artworks, “barnacle billy’s. perkins cove, ogunquit.” and “the clover. perkins cove, ogunquit.” unravel some of the intricate contemporary narratives entangled with this iconic Ogunquit Art Colony landscape.
These pieces, which will be featured in the Ogunquit Art Association’s Mid-Season (6.26.24 – 7.27-24) and Late Summer (8.7.24 – 9.7.24) Art Exhibitions, serve as a rare conduit to the layered visual tales Taubert so meticulously conjures. With an insightful eye, Taubert offers an evocative exploration, engaging the observer in a deep and reflective dialogue with the artwork. His creations surface potent truths connected with the ever-evolving story of Perkins Cove, capturing its nature in a manner both profound and transformative.
Ebb and Flow: Exploring History, Humanity, and Weather in Taubert’s “barnacle billy’s. perkins cove, ogunquit.
Eric J. Taubert; barnacle billy’s. perkins cove, ogunquit. (limited 1/10); 24″ x 24″ Aluminum Archival Dye Sublimation (Matte) Print
Taubert’s “barnacle billy’s. perkins cove, ogunquit.” transcends mere photographic representation. Built from an arrangement of photographs taken by Taubert over the span of more than a decade, this limited edition (1/10) print meticulously crafts a narrative that captures the essence of a specific type of coastal Maine restaurant experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.
“Barnacle Billy’s is a meaningful place,” states Taubert. “It’s an iconic part of the identity of Ogunquit, Maine. The seasonal opening and closing dates represent something symbolic to the people who live in and visit the town. It’s a place that’s been serving up “Luxury Lobster” to smiling residents and tourists in Perkins Cove since 1961 – and this composition of mine delves into some of the complexity of what that actually means. There’s a story in here about the cyclical nature of the tourism industry, the visa workers, and the tip economy. Literal and figurative tides; of ocean water, of guests, of seasons, of storms. The ripples of time and memory; and the cherished legacy of William “Billy” Tower (1927-2013), the restaurant’s founder who was something of a larger than life figure in Ogunquit.”
These thought provoking passages in Taubert’s work are juxtaposed with glimpses of Barnacle Billy’s precarious relationship with the elements—the ever-present threat of off-season winter squalls and the sometimes perilous flooding in Perkins Cove that endanger the restaurant’s physical structure. This vulnerability adds a poignant layer, reminding us of the impermanence inherent in coastal life.
Subtle nods to the Ogunquit Art Colony’s legacy also appear in Taubert’s “barnacle billy’s, perkins cove, ogunquit.” For example, a photograph of a lobster painted by Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) founder Charles H. Woodbury is a deliberate inclusion that connects the piece to the town’s rich artistic heritage, of which Taubert is a part as a juried member of the OAA.
Ultimately, “barnacle billy’s, perkins cove, ogunquit.” stands as a powerful testament to the art of distillation. Taubert captures the essence of a vanishing breed: the quintessential “Old Coastal Maine” restaurant, where nostalgia intertwines with the salty tang of the sea, the clamor of summer evenings, and the endless tendrils of billowing steam swirling from countless platters piled high with lobsters and clams. This work compels viewers not just to look, but to truly see and acknowledge the myriad sophisticated complexities lingering just beneath the surface of a seaside tourist destination like Perkins Cove.
Fading Hope, Enduring Memory, and Tangled Ropes: The Fragility of Life on the Coast in Taubert’s “the clover. perkins cove, ogunquit.”
Eric J. Taubert; the clover. perkins cove, ogunquit. (limited 1/10); 24″ x 24″ Aluminum Archival Dye Sublimation (Matte) Print
The impetus for Eric J. Taubert’s “the clover. perkins cove, ogunquit.’ lies in a profoundly tragic event that unfolded in Ogunquit in 2013. William “Billy Mac” McIntire (1961-2013), a local legend and beloved fisherman whose life was fatefully intertwined with Perkins Cove, vanished at sea during a casual nighttime outing with friends and acquaintances on his commercial fishing boat, The Clover.
Taubert’s artwork captures this somber occurrence with haunting reverence and serves as a deeply affecting meditation on loss. The central image – a nocturnal photograph of Billy Mac’s lobster boat, The Clover, taken by Taubert one quiet night while the community was still processing its collective grief over the loss –, becomes a powerful anchor for a visual narrative rich with symbolism. The withering memorial flowers adorning the bow silently symbolize a life cut short, their decay mirroring the fading hope during the Coast Guard search.
The artist’s masterful visual collaging of harbor signage, snippets of news articles, and vintage Ogunquit advertising adds a layer of documentary grit to the artwork, imbuing it with the craggy textures and truths of life on the Maine coast.
“the clover. perkins cove, ogunquit.” is not a fleeting glance; it demands extended contemplation. The contrasting elements – the warmth of the familiar safe harbor versus the harsh realities of the commercial fishing lifestyle – create a tension that reflects some unspoken reality about Perkins Cove. Each detail, from the fading beauty of the flowers to the tangled ropes and clinging seaweed, contributes to a narrative of impermanence and resilience. These elements speak to the unexpected turns life can take and the uncertainties that can disrupt the normalcy of even the most idyllic harbor town.
See the Work at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine
The Mid-Season (6.26.24 – 7.27.24) and Late Summer Art Exhibitions (8.7.24 – 9.7.24) at Barn Gallery (barngallery.org) provide the perfect setting to experience Taubert’s masterful collages. Art enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to visit and view these compelling works firsthand. To inquire about purchasing these limited edition prints, contact Barn Gallery at 207-646-8400.
To learn more about Eric J. Taubert visit taubertgallery.com
An earlier version of this story was originally published in Maine Art Scene: Eric J. Taubert’s New Work Revisits an Ogunquit Art Colony Landscape.
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