Navigating, Lisa Grossman

Artwork Overview

Lisa Grossman, Navigating
Lisa Grossman, Navigating
Lisa Grossman
Navigating
2018
Lisa Grossman
born 1967
Navigating, 2018
Where object was made: Lawrence, Kansas, United States
Material/technique: canvas; oil
Credit line: Museum purchase: Peter T. Bohan Art Acquisition Fund
Accession number: 2018.0205
On display: Kress Gallery
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Label texts

Collection Cards: Land
The Kansas River, also known as the Kaw River, begins at the meeting of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers near Junction City, Kansas. The Kansas River flows 173 miles to join the Missouri River near Kansas City. From a low-flying airplane, artist Lisa Grossman takes pictures to capture the water’s flow before painting on canvas. Water plays an important role in determining where people live and how they move across the land. What bodies of water run through the land where you live? What time of day do you think it is in this painting? How can you tell?
Spencer Museum of Art Highlights
In reference to this work and her other river paintings, Lisa Grossman states, “Much of my work is inspired by the Kansas River, the longest prairie-based river system in the world. It winds its way east... passes through my home of Lawrence, Kansas…. The river has allowed me to experience this place from various perspectives—from its shores, sandbars, and riparian trails, from my kayak, and from small planes and my drone. It continuously lures me into a process of discovery and adventure.”
Illumination
Lisa Grossman's smooth brushstrokes guide us along the meandering stillness of the Kansas River, as known as the Kaw, and into the orange hues of the horizon line at the top of the painting. Engulfed by the darkness of the land, the rays from the rising or setting sun glisten on the clear river water. Navigating offers a distinct aerial perspective of the river and is Grossman’s tribute to the land that sustains thousands of Kansans.
Illumination
Lisa Grossman’s smooth brushstrokes guide us along the meandering stillness of the Kansas River, also known as the Kaw, and into the orange hues of the horizon line at the top of the painting. Engulfed by the darkness of the land, the rays from the rising or setting sun glisten on the clear river water. Navigating offers a distinct aerial perspective of the river and is Grossman’s tribute to the land that sustains thousands of Kansans.

Exhibitions

Illumination
Kris Ercums, curator
2022–2027
The Power of Place: KU Alumni Artists
Susan Earle, curator
2019

Resources

Audio

Links

Discover more about Lisa Grossman’s work and process on her website.