Originally published in Points West magazineFall 2015 James Bama’s Portraits of a People By E. Crawford Wilson A myth of the West is that living here is eminently more real, gritty, and rugged than anywhere else in America. It is this myth that has regionalized a lifestyle—a lifestyle born of the open range, natural elements, […]
Originally featured in Points West magazine in Spring 2017 “Buffalo Bill” by James Bama James Bama’s portrait of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody is a gift to the Center of the West by Trustee Emeritus Donald W. Griffin. The painting is an exciting addition to the Center’s collection which includes Bama’s archives, photographs, and many […]
Originally published in Points West in Fall 2007 From Photograph to Painting: The Art of James Bama By Thomas B. Smith The realist portraits of cowboys, Native Americans, mountain men, and Cody locals rendered by Wyoming artist James Bama are recognizable to many visitors to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. However, few are […]
Treasures from Our West A Contemporary Sioux Indian by James Bama James Bama’s A Contemporary Sioux Indian is laden with narrative complexities. The painting’s subject, a young Oglala Sioux, exudes a sense of isolation and loss. He is painted in a shallow plane against a stark backdrop which forces the viewer to confront the subject. The compressed space also stylistically marks […]
Past Exhibition The Buffalo Bill Center of the West knows that western art enthusiasts are sure to recognize the work of James Bama. After all, he is a prolific artist, detailing the West with his realistic paintings. But few have had a chance to view his photographs. On view in 2014 and 2015 in the […]
The great deinstallation reinstallation of winter 2014 has come and gone. Nevertheless, in its absence, we are excited to share the news that our newest exhibition is now on view! Developing Stories: The Photography of James Bama showcases more than 65 carefully selected photographs from the artist’s files. These photographs capture multiple stories: Bama’s own […]