This is a 7x7 watercolor of mine entitled Provenance that was recently selected to tour with the 2025 Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring Small Works on Paper exhibition.

2025 Small Works on Paper Touring Schedule:

Jan./Feb.: UA Little Rock's Windgate Center of Art + Design, Little Rock
March: River Valley Arts Center, Russellville
April: Community Creative Center, Fayetteville
May: UA Rich Mountain, Mena
June: Arts & Science Center, Pine Bluff
July-August: Delta Cultural Center, Helena
September: SAU Magnolia, Magnolia
October: UA Monticello, Monticello
November: Harding University, Searcy

Sean Fitzgibbon • Provenance • 7x7 • watercolor on paper

This work questions chronology, ownership, custody or location of historical objects and the authenticity of objects considered to be art and points to the challenges in establishing the provenance and authenticity of historical artifacts. Crystal skulls, for instance, were once believed to be pre-Columbian artifacts created by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. However, modern research has shown that these artifacts are likely from the 19th century, possibly created in Europe.

Crystal skulls serve as a notable example of how initial assumptions about the origins of an artifact can be challenged and revised through meticulous research and technological advancements.