Conversation XII: Politics as Symbol/Symbol as Politics

Exhibition

Exhibition Overview

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Conversation XII: Politics as Symbol/Symbol as Politics
Burdett Loomis, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
Gallery 405, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Politics is at the vertex of substance and symbol, and there is no political spectacle to match an American presidential election. Each such contest produces thousands of images and scenes, almost every one planned and executed like a work of art, be it a poster, portrait, or performance. This exhibition includes works ranging from buttons to historic photographs to highly politicized prints to abstract art. They are not necessarily about presidents or presidential elections; rather, they explore the relationship between politics and art, emphasizing more the symbol than the substance.

This exhibition is curated by Burdett Loomis, professor of political science at the University of Kansas, and has been organized with the Andrew W. Mellon Department of Academic Programs at the Spencer Museum of Art.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Ruben III Dario, Alcade (The Mayor)
Ruben III Dario
1967
Guerrilla Girls (active 1985–present), Relax Senator Helms, the art world is your kind of place!
Guerrilla Girls (active 1985–present)
1989
Charles Rodrigues (1926–2004), untitled
Charles Rodrigues (1926–2004)
circa 1972
Eugene McCarthy (1916–2005), Love It Or Leave It
Eugene McCarthy (1916–2005)
1970
unrecorded Hausa-Fulani artist, cloth with Shehu Shagari
unrecorded Hausa-Fulani artist
1983
Phyllis Holden Dole Macey (1925–2008), poodle skirt
Phyllis Holden Dole Macey (1925–2008)
1962
Thomas Whelan Benton (1930–2007), Thompson for Sheriff (Hunter S. Thompson)
Thomas Whelan Benton (1930–2007)
1970

Events

June 4, 2012
Tour
2:45–5:00PM
303A Print Study Room, Gallery 405
September 30, 2012
Talk
2:00–3:00PM
Gallery 405
October 6, 2012
Activity
10:00AM–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 7, 2012
Activity
12:00–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 13, 2012
Activity
10:00AM–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 14, 2012
Activity
12:00–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 17, 2012
Screening
5:00–6:30PM
Gallery 405: 20/21 Gallery Conversation Wall
October 18, 2012
Talk
5:30–7:30PM
Watson Library Third Floor West
October 20, 2012
Activity
10:00AM–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 21, 2012
Activity
12:00–4:00PM
Gallery 405
October 25, 2012
Talk
10:00–11:00AM
Gallery 405
October 27, 2012
Activity
10:00AM–4:00PM
Gallery 405
November 13, 2012
Talk
12:00–12:45PM
Gallery 405: 20/21 Conversation Wall