Margaret Keane
It all started in 1955 at a San Francisco art fair. A young artist named Margaret was desperately trying to get her paintings noticed when she met the devilishly handsome Walter Keane. She had studied at the Watkins Art Institute in the late 1940s, where the signature "Big Eyes" had begun to emerge in her work. Walter had studied in Berlin during the mid-1940s and would later say his observations of hungry, wide-eyed children there would inspire his life as a painter. The two married later that year. The film Big Eyes (2014) by director Tim Burton is based on the lies and controversy surrounding their relationship.
Both Margaret and Walter had daughters from previous marriages. Margaret figured her new love affair would bring stability and financial security to her life. Following her marriage, Margaret began to sign her work using her married name, Keane.
Despite a seemingly happy marriage, their lives would take a dangerous turn following an event showcasing Margaret’s work at a club. The event caught the attention of number of celebrities and comedians, most of whom were seriously interested in the portrayal of young children with "Big Eyes." The success of the evening ignited greed in Walter – later that night he convinced Margaret that he should pose as the artist of the paintings. He argued that he would be a better spokesperson at the art events. He also convinced Margaret that they had a better chance of selling the paintings if the work was attributed to a male artist. Reluctantly, Margaret gave in to Walter’s wishes. Desperate to bring some authenticity to their fraud, Margaret tried to teach Walter the art of painting in her style, but she failed. It was evident that Walter could not paint.
By the late 1950s, Margaret had become a prisoner in her own home. She would work tirelessly for up to 16 hours a day in an enclosed room with the curtains shut while Walter entertained women in their bed. She was fearful and lonely, but she stayed because her paintings were supporting her daughter. Though she never personally received money from her labors, it was obvious that she was doing well – Keane paintings, prints and postcards were selling in multiples and in 1964 the family moved into a lavish house in Hawaii. However, as Margaret's work grew darker, it became obvious she was depressed.
Walter would place heavy demands on his wife and force her to paint visions of what he wanted. After her famed "Tomorrow Forever" was severely criticized in the New York Times and pulled from the 1964 World Fair, Margaret rebelled against Walter’s commands. She began to paint what she wanted and came to terms with the fact that she was either loved or hated. In 1965 the couple divorced.
Even so, in an attempt to keep the peace and the success of her artwork alive, Margaret promised to continue painting for Walter. She produced about 30 more paintings before deciding she was not going to encourage his sham any longer. In 1970, following her marriage to another man, Margaret publicly announced she was the "Big Eyes" artist. Jealous and angry, Walter contested her claim and attacked Margaret’s newfound faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Margaret sued Walter and the case escalated to court. After hearing both claims, the judge challenged the Keanes to produce a painting in the courtroom. Margaret successfully completed the task in 53 minutes. Walter claimed a shoulder injury and bowed out.
Walter passed away in 2000, while Margaret continues to paint happily in her home in Hawaii. Her artwork now features brighter and happier tones. ~ Nadira Chand