Harry Fonseca painting by the American River in summer 1997.
Photograph by Carey Caldwell

During the summer, Fonseca spent several days painting on the American River, downstream from the site where John Marshall discovered gold in 1848. In these paintings, the greens and browns of the land are replaced with the blues and greens of the river. The dominance of gold, suggested by paint and mica, intensifies. The energy becomes more and more aggressive. Spirits and shadows are engulfed and exploded, reminding one of images of Hiroshima.

Harry Fonseca, The Discovery of Gold in California, 7.7.97, #35
Photograph by Catherine Buchanan