George Rodrigue Round the Mulberry Bush 2015 Signed Screenprint Edition of 90

Artist: George Rodrigue
Title: Round the Mulberry Bush
Medium: Screenprint in Colors
Size: 35.5" Diameter
Frame Size: 41.25" x 41.25" x 2.25"
Edition: 89/90
Year: 2015
Inscription: Numbered on front right edge
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity from the Estate of George Rodrigue.

"Round the Mulberry Bush" (2015) is a circular screenprint in colors by George Rodrigue (1944–2013), the Louisiana-born artist best known for his Blue Dog series and his evocative portrayals of Cajun life and southern landscapes. The composition demonstrates Rodrigue's continued interest in integrating narrative elements with bold, graphic forms, while the circular format underscores motion and rhythm within the image. Rodrigue's use of vibrant color and carefully layered screenprint technique creates depth and luminosity, drawing the viewer into the central motif and highlighting his mastery of modern printmaking processes.

Throughout his career, Rodrigue combined regional subject matter with innovative visual strategies, moving from early landscapes and cultural scenes to the globally recognized Blue Dog series in the late 1980s. His work has been widely exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Cabildo in New Orleans, and is held in prominent public and private collections. These exhibitions contextualize his contribution to contemporary American art and the development of printmaking as a medium capable of both precision and painterly expression.

This edition of "Round the Mulberry Bush" is number 89 of 90. The screenprint measures 35 1/2 inches in diameter and is numbered on the front right edge. It is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity from the Estate of George Rodrigue. The work's limited edition size, signature and numbering, and circular format reflect Rodrigue's meticulous attention to presentation and his commitment to producing prints that extend the formal and conceptual qualities of his painted work.

About George Rodrigue

George Rodrigue was an American artist best known for his iconic Blue Dog paintings, which became one of the most recognizable images in late twentieth century American art. Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, Rodrigue was deeply influenced by Cajun culture, Southern folklore, and the landscapes of the American South. These regional roots remained central to his artistic practice throughout his career, even as his work gained international recognition.

Rodrigue received his formal training at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts. His early career was devoted to meticulously rendered narrative paintings inspired by Cajun legends, particularly the loup garou or werewolf, a recurring figure in Louisiana folklore. These works were characterized by careful draftsmanship, muted palettes, and an emphasis on storytelling, establishing Rodrigue as a serious figurative painter well before his commercial success.

In the early 1980s, Rodrigue began developing the Blue Dog motif, a stylized canine figure derived from Cajun folklore and personal symbolism. Set against flat, vividly colored backgrounds, the Blue Dog paintings marked a decisive shift toward bold color, graphic simplicity, and modernist composition. While instantly accessible, the images retained emotional depth and psychological presence, contributing to their lasting appeal among collectors and institutions alike.

Rodrigue's work has been exhibited widely in museums and galleries and is represented in numerous public and private collections. Beyond painting, he was an accomplished printmaker and public artist, producing sculptures, murals, and large scale installations. His art frequently bridged the worlds of fine art and popular culture, appearing in advertising campaigns, theater productions, and charitable initiatives, including fundraising efforts for arts education and disaster relief.

Today, George Rodrigue is regarded as a significant figure in contemporary American art, celebrated for his ability to merge regional identity with universal imagery. His legacy endures through the continued prominence of the Blue Dog and his lasting influence on Southern and pop inspired visual culture.