Seen in Storage: Eddy Mumma

The bright colors and playfulness of Untitled may lead one to believe they are viewing the masterpiece of an aspiring 9 year old artist. Therefore, one might be shocked to find it’s not only made by a man in his late sixties, but one of the most prolific artists of the 20th century. Eddy Mumma never set out to be an artist, but instead found solace in art during the last two decades of his life. After his wife’s premature death from breast cancer at age 44, his daughter encouraged him to start painting. Soon, every wall and surface of his house was painted over in bold colors like those in the painting above. As his health declined and he lost both of his legs and almost his sight, his paintings became even more colorful and distinct. In the plethora of works he created after 1980 it’s easy to spot a distinct artistic style: crisp figures in formal attire with hands raised to their chest and greatly saturated garments and skin.

Though Eddy was adamant on never wanting to sell his art during his life, after his death in 1986 his artwork became highly acclaimed; and it’s easy to see why. Not only do the vibrant figures draw you in, but the thick black lines present throughout the work anchor you down, providing a sense of stability. Mumma’s work seems cathartic, a way of comforting himself in addition to showcasing a unique artistic expression. The figure is dressed in formal attire, clad in bow ties and buttons, giving a sense of refinement and nostalgia akin to that of an orchestra player stepping straight out of the 20’s. The blank expression of this figure may hint at some of the apprehension Eddy held towards his own life, and further show’s the reflection of his hopes and feelings in his art.

– Rory Mullis ’26