The Wichita Art Museum Presents Some Treasures From its Vaults

Written by Grant Hammersley Saturday, 13 August 2011 01:23

Wichita, KS.- The Wichita Art Museum is currently showing an exhibition of artworks that have been in storgage for years. "Been In The Dark: What You Haven’t Seen Lately" remains on view at the museum until October 23rd. "Been In the Dark: What You Haven’t Seen Lately" is an exhibition of artworks that have been in the vaults – literally in the dark – for years without having been put on display. For some of the art, this will be the first time it has ever been shown. These galleries are filled with a compilation of seemingly random objects, whose apparent relation is the fact that they haven’t been shown in a long while.

The idea for Been In the Dark came from experience being in the vaults and seeing interesting objects that had not been shown in some time. Surely others would want to see them as well! Usually, these objects hadn’t been shown for simply practical reasons, such as not relating to the themes of past exhibitions. Now with no theme other than underexposure, they have the occasion to receive the attention they deserve. While there is no subject or style that unites the objects in "Been In The Dark", it would be misleading to say that the exhibition is a Dada-like random assemblage of objects.

It is hoped that the visitor will find subtle relationships in the movement of one object to another – a rhythm of related or contrasting compositions, the weaving of color harmonies, and the whimsical juxtaposition of subjects. The installation is intended to be a pleasure to experience as a whole – as a viewing process – as well as on the level of the appreciation of individual works of art.

The Wichita Art Museum is an art museum located in Wichita, Kansas. It was established in 1915, when Louise Murdock’s Will created a trust to start a collection of art works by “American painters, potters, sculptors, and textile weavers.” The collection includes works by Mary Cassatt, Arthur G. Dove, Thomas Eakins, Robert Henri, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Yasuo Kuniyshoi, John Marin, Paul Meltsner, Horace Pippin, Maurice Prendergast, Albert Pinkham Ryder and Charles Sheeler. The Museum's lobby features a ceiling and chandelier made by Dale Chihuly. Visit the museum's website at ... http://wichitaartmuseum.org

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