Eugene Von Bruenchenhein (1910-1983) was born in Marinette, WI, but spent much of his adult life in a small house in Milwaukee. He created art there for 40 years amounting to several thousand works in various media. After Eugene died, the work was brought to the attention of Milwaukee Art Museum director Russell Bowman. Besides apocalyptic oil paintings, ceramic crowns and vessels, he and his wife Marie (Eveline Kalke) collaborated on photographs that staged Marie in provocative poses and costumes. Eugene had met Marie at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1940. They married in 1943 and were together until Eugene’s death in 1983. Now internationally famous, EVB (as he is known) has had many museum exhibitions and was included in the 2013 Venice Biennale. The John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan owns and has conserved much of his work. Portrait Society is pleased to present 12 black and white vintage photographs of Marie, printed by Eugene, and one hand-tinted original portrait. The work is courtesy of Andrew Edlin Gallery, New York.
