Davenport, Iowa (September 6, 2016) – Experience America through the eyes of Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, Martin Lewis, Edward Hopper and others in the American Scene on Paper exhibition at the Figge Art Museum.
Opening Saturday in the second floor Lewis Gallery, the exhibition features recent acquisitions and important works on paper from the Figge collection portraying rural and urban America during the first half of the 20th century.
Ranging in subject from nostalgic country life to satiric city scenes, the American Scene movement encouraged nationalism and addressed social issues during the Depression-era. Although vast in scope, an appreciation for humanity pervaded the genre. By emphasizing individual character, mood, and narrative, the artists formed a compelling vision of the American experience in the 20s, 30s and 40s.
Many of the featured prints were affordable and available by mail to the general public, a useful tool for introducing art into middle-class homes. The American Scene’s popularity faded as internationalism and abstraction took hold after World War II. Yet it still offers a powerful lens through which to consider the visual and social history of the United States between the world wars.
This exhibition will be on view September 10 through December 31, 2016.
Exhibition Tours:
1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 25
1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 18, 25
About the Figge Art Museum:
The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is normally $7, but is free through September 25, 2016 thanks to The Bechtel Trusts and John Deere Classic. Admission is always free to Figge members and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Figge Café is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
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