World Histories

May 16, 2008 – August 31, 2008
Anna K. Meredith Gallery, Art Center on Grand

Artists working today exemplify the term “global citizen,” often growing up in one region, being educated or working in another, and exhibiting at galleries, fairs, museums and exhibitions in every country possible. World Histories presents approximately twelve artists whose work fits comfortably at the forefront of the international contemporary art scene and its continuing dialogue with aesthetics, formalism, and the influence of the artists that have come before. However, while participating in this globe–spanning conversation, each of these artists uses his or her work (and the “language” of contemporary art–making) to present a unique expression of their respective identities as individuals, defined by the specific place, time, and culture he or she emerged from. Within single works minimalism combines with traditional craft technique, found objects sit alongside devotional figures, and scenes from warring cultures clash and coalesce. Artists include El Anatsui (Ghana), Sonny Assu (Canada), Heri Dono (Indonesia), Dario Escobar (Guatemala), Yoko Inoue (Japan), Shi Jinsong (China), Mustafa Maluka (South Africa), Rachael Rakena (New Zealand), Katrin Sigurdardottir (Iceland), Jesse Small (U.S.), and Angela Strassheim (U.S.).

This exhibition is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue with a foreword by Jeff Fleming, director, and essays by Jon Winet, Associate Professor and Head of the Intermedia Department of the University of Iowa’s School of Art & Art History and Laura Burkhalter, assistant curator. World Histories is organized by Laura Burkhalter, assistant curator.

World Histories is sponsored by the Des Moines Register and Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. Additional support for programming is provided by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by these programs do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities Iowa or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

World Histories Related Programs

Gallery Talk

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM
Jeff Fleming, Director, and Laura Burkhalter, Exhibition Curator, with Sonny Assu and Jesse Small
FREE admission

Guided Tours

We are pleased to offer guided tours of World Histories and the permanent collections.

Please schedule at least three weeks in advance. Contact Jennifer Cooley at 515.271.0328 or jcooley@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Adult Group Tours:
$2 per person / $20 minimum fee
Student Tours: Free