Margaret Keane, an iconic artist, was renowned for her captivating paintings featuring characters with large, expressive eyes. These distinctive artworks captured the hearts of many, yet her journey was marked by personal struggles, including a tumultuous marriage, the fight for recognition, and ultimately, her triumph. Her life story is not just about art; it's about resilience and self-discovery.
Who Is Margaret Keane?
Margaret Keane was an artist celebrated for her unique style characterized by large-eyed figures. Despite her immense talent, she faced significant challenges, particularly in her marriage to Walter Keane, who claimed credit for her work. Over the years, their relationship became increasingly abusive, leading Margaret to eventually divorce him. In 1970, she courageously revealed her identity as the true creator of the Keane paintings. This revelation culminated in a defamation lawsuit against Walter, solidifying her place in art history. Her story was later immortalized in the 2014 film Big Eyes, where actress Amy Adams portrayed her.
Early Life
Born Peggy Doris Hawkins on September 15, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, Margaret's passion for art blossomed from a young age. She was drawn to creating characters with large, haunting eyes, a theme that would define her work. After attending art schools in Tennessee and New York, she married Frank Ulbrich and welcomed a daughter named Jane. However, her artistic journey was only just beginning.
Meeting Walter Keane
In the mid-1950s, after divorcing Ulbrich, Margaret relocated to San Francisco. It was there that she met Walter Keane at an outdoor art market. Although Walter presented himself as an artist, he worked in real estate and had a daughter from a previous relationship. The couple married in Honolulu in 1955. After their wedding, Margaret assisted Walter in transitioning to the art world, only to discover that he was selling her paintings under his name.
An Abusive Marriage
Margaret's realization of Walter's deceit occurred when she witnessed him claiming credit for her artwork at a club. Despite this, Walter persuaded her to maintain the façade while attempting to imitate her painting style. His inability to replicate her talent would later haunt him. By the 1960s, Margaret's art became a commercial success, yet she endured a life filled with emotional abuse and control from Walter, who often locked her in a studio. The situation escalated dangerously, prompting Margaret to leave Walter and divorce him in 1965. Afterward, she remarried, settled in Hawaii, and embraced a new faith as a Jehovah's Witness.
Exposing the Lie
In a groundbreaking radio interview in 1970, Margaret publicly claimed her rightful place as the creator of the Keane art. When Walter denied her assertions in a USA Today article in the mid-1980s, she filed a defamation lawsuit. During the trial in 1986, Margaret showcased her artistic skill by quickly drawing one of her figures, while Walter, representing himself, declined to demonstrate his abilities. The jury awarded Margaret $4 million in damages, although she never received the funds, as Walter had already squandered their earnings.
'Big Eyes' and Later Life
Margaret's life was vividly portrayed in the 2014 Tim Burton film Big Eyes, with Christoph Waltz as Walter and Amy Adams as Margaret. Adams met with Margaret to delve into her life and artistic process, leading to a powerful representation of her story. The film reignited public interest in Margaret's work, allowing her to display her art at the Keane Eyes Gallery in San Francisco. Sadly, Margaret passed away from heart failure on June 26, 2022.
Key Takeaways
What You Will Learn
- Margaret Keane's Artistic Journey: Her journey from anonymity to recognition as a talented artist.
- The Importance of Identity: The significance of claiming one's work and identity in the face of adversity.
- The Impact of Abuse: Understanding the effects of emotional and physical abuse in relationships.
- Resilience and Recovery: The story of overcoming challenges and finding strength in one's passion.
Margaret Keane's legacy lives on through her art and the lessons learned from her life story. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-advocacy and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
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