Permanent Collection Spotlight
Al Souza, May Be Bay Bees, 2003, Puzzle pieces and glue on wood, 72” diameter, Gift of June Mattingly, Dallas, PC 2011.11.
May Be Bay Bees is the second work by the highly acclaimed Houston-based mixed media artist, Al Souza, to be accessioned into AMSET’s permanent collection. This exemplary work of Texas contemporary art was recently acquired by AMSET through a generous donation by the former Dallas art gallerist, collector, current art blogger and independent curator June Mattingly. The other work titled Ratoo Barada Nictoe from 2003, also created in the puzzle assemblage medium, was purchased by the museum in 2007 following the artist’s solo exhibition. While AMSET’s two works focus on the puzzle medium, the artist also is known for his cut paper works created from movie posters and newspapers, as well as boxes comprised of tightly arranged spit balls and cloth and hair among other unusual materials. Souza’s work is included in numerous national and international private and public collections.
Souza, who was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1944, initially studied civil engineering at the University of Massachusetts,
Amherstearning a B.S. in 1967. His art studies began the same year in 1967 when he entered the Art Students League in New York, remaining there until 1970. He finished in 1972 with a M.F.A. in painting from the
University of Massachusetts. Prior to his arrival in Texas, Souza taught art at various universities in New England and
California. Since 1992, he has served as professor of painting at the University of Houston.
The large circular, multi-layered puzzle work May Be Bay Bees contains two types of imagery, babies and flora, that are reflective of the traditional pop culture subject matter utilized by the artist. Souza is a master of this unique medium in his ability to create stunningly varying layers of surface texture that when viewed at an angle appears distinctly organic and jagged. While viewing the unconventional medium or bright, dense puzzle imagery captures one’s attention, the title will spark further interest. The artist’s titles are selected for their clever elucidation of the work. For instance, in this work, does May and bees signify the profusion of spring flowers and the play on words of bay bees for the newborns lying amidst the flora? All of these visual and verbal elements combine to construct a witty and playful, yet aesthetically original and captivating work of art.