Rummage Puzzle

Rummage, 1941, Mark Tobey, 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Regionalism merges with abstraction in Tobey’s view of Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Its subject—the market’s sprawling Rummage Hall and the trade in used goods that occurred there regularly during World War II—anchors the painting in a specific place and time, while its style—fragmented Cubist forms energized by the artist’s ubiquitous white line—conjures the anxious frenzy of the crowded scene.

Mark Tobey (1890-1976) was an American artist known for his calligraphic paintings and his participation in the movement of the Northwest Mystics.  His work was influenced by his involvement in the mystic faith of Bahai which drew him to studying Asian calligraphy and turned his focus from depicting the individual object to filling the space itself.  From this, his signature style of “white writing” evolved and his work integrated this talent along with his love of the play of light here in Seattle, where he spent many years of his life.

Ages 3 and up (due to small parts)

SAM Exclusive

Materials: Coated cardboard

Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches (assembled puzzle)