Figge Art Museum hosts College Night
Sam Sass
Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News
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A rarely celebrated and often overlooked topic, life in the Midwest was the theme for College Night at the Figge Art Museum on Feb, 25, 2010. The cold, industrial lines of the Figge created a striking contrast to the warm colors used in the various pieces of art. Famous artists from around the world had art on display. Together they created an interesting perspective on country life.
Some pieces, such as the room-sized field of hanging corn, were very grand and striking. Others were more subtle. One such subtly is the art of Arthur Geisert, the key speaker of the night. At first glance, Geisert's art appears to be simplistic and cartoonish. Upon further inspection, one begins to see the details in his work, or more fittingly, his masterpiece.
"My works celebrate the agrarian traditions and honors the vitality and dignity of the people that work its land," said Geisert.
Gesiert's display is called Visions of Iowa, and is based on life in Bernard, Iowa. Gesiert portrays a detailed and often whimsical view of life in a small Midwestern town. He provides an accurate portrayal of a dying breed; the American farm.
"It's fun to see farm machinery on the second floor," said Geisert of the pink elephant, or large red tractor, in the room.
His creations are set off by a large red tractor, straight off the farm. The tractor still smells like a farm, putting the observer right into his etchings.
Geisert's etchings, there are 62 in all, are all connected. In each piece, there is an event at the top of the page, and on the bottom is a farm. It is in the farm, that the event is taking place. The etchings are also one giant, panoramic picture. Each farm on the bottom of the page connects to the farms on either side of it. Immeasurable time, patience and planning went into the works.
In Pearl's Place, a diner depicted in a few of the etchings, Geisert's art was critiqued by the Bernard locals. According to them, his etchings were "sharp and right on the money." They may not have been trained in art critique, but they couldn't have been more correct. Geisert truly is a master at creating the subtle beauty in an overlooked and often snubbed lifestyle.
Arthur Geisert really captures the essence of life in Iowa, and quite frankly, makes one proud to be from Iowa. His work is on display in the Print Gallery on the second floor of the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport, Iowa. The exhibit will be on display in the Figge from February 27- May 30. Don't miss this great opportunity to see Iowa life celebrated, because it doesn't happen too often.
Geisert's work is also being made into a book. The book is going to be called "Country Road ABC," and is described as an illustrated journey through America's farmland. Geisert is holding a book launch and signing on Saturday, May 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will be held in Coe's Bar in Bernard, Iowa, a location often depicted in his works.
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