Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bill Ohrmann: Myths and Facts About This 95-Year-Old Artist

Tainted Revelations: The Art of Bill Orhmann

Joe Ashbrook Nickell talks about and reads from 'Tainted Revelations,' the book he wrote about painter and sculptor Bill Ohrmann.

Bill Ohrmann only began seriously painting when he retired from ranching in 1996. Since then, the 95-year-old Montana artist has produced hundreds of canvases that explore his blistering criticism of the modern West. His direct, narrative paintings, often inspired by quotations from his favorite poets and environmental writers, are by turns wry, apocalyptic, horrifying and hilarious.

In Tainted Revelations, Joe Ashbrook Nickell maps out the broad landscape of Ohrmann's oeuvre, communing along with the way with the cavemen and future-men, tigers and mice, neighbors and nymphs who speak their truths through the painter's brush. Part biography, part meditation, Nickell's text is coupled with more than 90 color reproductions of Ohrmann's work, eloquently illuminating the artist's singular worldview and impassioned concern for the plight of oppressed souls - human and otherwise - of this earth.

The music in this program was written and performed by John Floridis.

The Write Question blog
The Write Question on Facebook
The Write Question podcast

Joe Ashbrook Nickell
Joe Ashbrook Nickell

Joe Ashbrook Nickell is a two-time NEA Arts Journalism Institute fellow. He lives in Missoula, Montana.

Chérie Newman is a former arts and humanities producer and on-air host for Montana Public Radio, and a freelance writer. She founded and previously hosted a weekly literary program, The Write Question, which continues to air on several public radio stations; it is also available online at PRX.org and MTPR.org.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content