Hoosiers will be introduced to a special body of artwork this year during the 200 Years of Indiana Art: A Cultural Legacy exhibition, March 19 through October 2 at the Indiana State Museum.
The exhibit will be comprised of more than 100 two- and three-dimensional works of art. Works by important early Indiana artists will provide a historical perspective. Additional works include modern and contemporary pieces illustrating the development of the visual arts in Indiana, showcasing the immense talent and diversity associated with the state.
“The Indiana State Museum is delighted to host this important exhibition showcasing the tremendous artistic talent associated with the state. Working with artists, collectors and institutions statewide, we’ve assembled a collection of works that illustrate the evolution and influence of the visual arts throughout our 200-year history,” said Mark Ruschman, chief curator of fine art.
The show will be split between the museum’s Ford and NiSource galleries located on Level 3 of the museum. The first 100 years of Indiana art will be installed in NiSource and the second 100 years in Ford.
Presented in chronological order, the NiSource display will include paintings by noted early Indiana Pioneer Painters [19th century] George Winter, Jacob Cox and Marcus Mote. Moving forward, T.C. Steele and his fellow Hoosier Group will be prominently featured alongside other important artists from across the state. Additional works by Janet Scudder, William Edouard Scott, Ada Shulz, Susan McCord, Frank Hohenberger and their contemporaries, will be included.
The Ford Gallery will feature works from the 1930’s until present day including Robert Indiana, Alma Eikerman, David Smith, George Rickey, Kay Rosen and Richard Peeler. While many familiar names will be featured, the gallery will also showcase the talents of artists that are less well known. The exhibition will reflect the state’s changing population and ethnic diversity. In addition to traditional two- and three-dimensional works in the galleries, new media, site-specific and installation-based works will be featured in the museum’s public areas and on the museum grounds.
“Among our many offerings, we are thrilled to host Anila Agha’s 2014 ArtPrize winning gallery installation Intersections. It will be the first time the piece has been shown in Indiana since winning the international art competition’s top honor. We’ve constructed a custom gallery on the first floor to accommodate the piece,” added Ruschman.
CREDIT
The exhibit is a signature project of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission with support from the Indiana Arts Commission. Additional funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council of Indianapolis with support from the City of Indianapolis.
The exhibition is included with museum admission. The public installations are on view free to the public.
For more details on the exhibition and related events, please call exhibit spokesman Mark Ruschman at 317.232.1633, email him at mruschman@indianamuseum.org or visit the museum website indianamuseum.org.