Paul Bartlett Ré
A Voice for Peace: Paul Bartlett Ré
by Jennifer Bayley
Through my works, I want to be a voice for beauty and peace for many generations.
— Paul Ré.
Artist, poet and scientist Paul Ré quietly states a passionate vision: “Life is intended to be good, and many people are working constructively to reverse the momentum of the difficulties we face. My continual, personal prayer is, ‘help me bring out the good in people.’” In line with his prayer, Ré is donating his art collections, archives, and estate to UNM’s Jonson Gallery, and he is establishing a peace prize at UNM
An Albuquerque native, Ré earned his undergraduate degree in physics away from home, at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). After a period of solitude, Ré emerged as a self-taught artist, creatively expressing the “beauty of science.” Art critics have praised him as a “virtuoso of the pencil” for his “art of quiet greatness and noble simplicity.” Ré has received other accolades, including being named a “genius laureate” by the American Biographical Institute. Returning to Albuquerque, Ré developed a physics for poets course at UNM, deepening his bonds with the University through his connection with students. His friendship with Raymond Jonson inspired Ré to have his works coexist with Jonson’s in a permanent space.
“By the time I met Raymond [Jonson] in 1978, his eyes were failing, and he had completed his final painting. Though my work sprang from a distinct internal process, I have a great affinity with the Transcendental Painting Group that Raymond founded. We came to a similar place from two different directions. Donating my collections, archives and estate to the Jonson Gallery will help keep alive the meaning of our works, which is to show how art can harmonize the world.”
Ré explains the process of his art unfolding inside its viewers: “If we have in our consciousness clear and harmonious images, these images can act as powerful statements of hope and faith. The many tonal gradations in my work demonstrate that there is always a third way, a third path available to us. One of my greatest rewards is when people are moved by my art toward peace and fulfillment.”
Says Ré, “The derivation of my art from closed curves is significant. They represent the interconnectedness of everything in existence, from the scale of the universe down to the subatomic. In sociology, my curves constitute a prayer and visual model for the peaceful, constructive interaction of human beings. In ecology, these closed curves symbolize the dynamic interdependence of all species and encourage humankind to conserve and use thoughtfully the physical and spiritual bounty of nature. When reverence for our natural, cultural and scientific heritage guides our practical actions, then our diverse world civilization can evolve to that higher fulfillment which I believe is the intent of life.”
In addition to his estate gift to UNM, the artist is establishing the Paul Bartlett Ré Peace Prize. When its endowment is fully funded, the prize will be awarded biennially to a UNM student, faculty member or staff person “who has done notable work to promote world peace and understanding.”
Ré emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the Peace Prize and of his own work. “On the most basic level, my art points us toward protecting our life support system, the health of our planet. I draw from the fields of art, science, philosophy, and environmentalism.” Accordingly, says Ré, “The Peace Prize applicants will be judged by the chairs of many disciplines, including physics, English, art, art history and integrative medicine, among others.”
Reflecting on Ré’s gifts to UNM, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson wrote, “The grace and stillness in your creations make your collection a welcome voice of peace. Because of your generosity, that voice will reach audiences here in New Mexico for generations to come.”
If you would like to contribute to the Paul Ré Fund or the Peace Prize endowment, or to learn more about estate or other planned gifts, please contact Susan Morrison, director of planned giving, at susanmm@unm.edu or (505) 277-9604. For interactive information online, please visit http://plannedgiving.unm.edu.
Jennifer Bayley
UNM Foundation