Howard John Besnia (US American, 1921-2014)
Persis, 1965
monotype
23.5″ x 17.5″, 33″ x 25.75″
Museum Purchase, 1969.2
A Massachusetts native, Howard John Besnia was an art teacher for over 60 years, ending his career at Fitchburg State College, now Fitchburg State University. Besnia never settled on one signature style or medium as he created caricatures, portraits, photographs, and sculptures throughout his life. The title, Persis, references the historic region of Persis which is located in what is today Southwest Iran. One of the civilizations that was located in the Persis region was that of the Sassanian Empire which reigned for over four centuries. The color purple features heavily on their flag and represents the longevity of the empire. In Besnia’s work, the color purple dominates the composition as different shades interact with each other and form various abstract shapes as well as reveal detailing. The large circular shape resembles a Batik cloth in how dye seeps into the cloth.