Do You See What I See?

Gallery exhibition: September 6, 2022 – May 27, 2023
Click here to view the virtual exhibition

People often assume that everyone shares the same associations with an iconic image or object, such as the American flag. The title of this exhibition brings attention to the reality that people have different perspectives about popular icons and cultural ideas, which can often lead to misunderstanding and disagreement. Visitors can see recent acquisitions by Paul Rucker and Archie Scott Gobber and important works from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, including a portrait by Grant Wood and a large sculpture of an ear by John Baldessari.

All artworks challenge viewers to think twice about what a familiar object or person represents and discover through conversation just how varied individual interpretations of even a common symbol can be. The loans from Crystal Bridges Museum were made possible by a Collection Loan Partnership with Art Bridges, which seeks to increase access to and engagement with American art in rural and regional venues. The exhibition presents artworks that challenge viewers to engage in dialogue with those who have different thoughts about what something means.

Platinum Major Sponsors: The Alms Group, Art Bridges, Friends of the Beach Museum of Art and Greater Manhattan Community Foundation’s Lincoln & Dorothy I. Deihl Community Grants Program
Gold Sponsors: Beach-Edwards Family Foundation

Related Free Events:

“Seeing Freedom?”
Thursday, September 22, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
Livestream conversation with Elisabeth Anker on the diverse meanings of iconic images and objects. Anker is an associate professor of American Studies and Political Science at George Washington University.
Click here to watch the recorded program.

Do You See What I See? Diverse Perspectives on Iconic Images and Objects
Thursday, November 3, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
Livestream gallery conversation
Introduction to the exhibition through conversations about select artworks with a group of invited participants, including K-State campus leaders and students and community members.
Click here to watch the recorded program.

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