The nature of twentieth-century American art is one of multiplicity and transformation that may be examined through persistent subject matter revisited by a wide range of artists. The Nancy Gray Sherrill, Class of 1954, Collection is representative of such enduring themes as landscape and self-portraiture, interpreted through an extensive array of printmaking mediums. This collection presents historic highlights in twentieth-century American art, seen, for example, in the presentation of a diversity of ideas and visions in abstraction, the depiction of the figure, the interpretation of nature, and the social, political, and military issues that have affected the populace. American identity, as identity itself, is built upon an infinite number of elements and viewpoints, origins and histories, and among the multifarious images presented in this exhibition, we may compose a definition suited to the variety of life. An accompanying catalogue and an online database of works in the collection were available. A symposium, entitled “Art and Travel,” was held in conjunction with the exhibition.

Elaine Mehalakes
Kemper Curator of Academic Programs