About This Exhibition
The museum was founded in 1945 with 100 works of art. Since then its collection has grown to include more than 17,000 objects. Only a little bit of this collection can be shown at a time. When works of art are not out on view they are in storage.
The exhibition “Inside Look: Selected Acquisitions from the Georgia Museum of Art” shows art recently added to the collection.
Family Day will look at this exhibition in two parts. The next look is on December 11. See the exhibition in person through January 30.
Thornton Dial Sr. (American, 1928 – 2016), “Life Goes as Flowers,” n.d. Watercolor on paper. 29 3/4 × 22 3/4 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Ron and June Shelp. GMOA 2020.123.
Thornton Dial Sr. (American, 1928 – 2016), “Life Goes on Without Flowers,” n.d. Watercolor on paper. 29 3/4 × 22 3/4 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of Ron and June Shelp. GMOA 2020.124.
Close Looking: Life Goes On…
Take a moment to compare these works of art by Thornton Dial Sr. How are they different? How are they the same?
Dial Sr. was a Black artist who lived in Alabama. He worked as a metalworker at a factory that made railroad cars. When the factory closed, he decided to make art full time. Dial’s art often focuses on Black history and racial discrimination.
The first painting is titled “Life Goes as Flowers.” The second is titled “Life Goes on Without Flowers.” Think about what those titles mean to you. Do they add to your understanding of these paintings?
These prints are examples of geometric abstract art. Abstract art is art that does not look like any person, thing or place.
Look carefully at the shapes and colors. What do you notice about them? Can you find patterns or unique shapes?
“Composition à rectangles, carrés et carré de cercles,” 1957. From an untitled portfolio of ten prints after original works by Sophie Taueber-Arp. Color serigraph on heavy paper. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase with funds provided by Martha R. Daura. GMOA 2020.44.10.
“Échelonnement,” 1957. From an untitled portfolio of ten prints after original works by Sophie Taueber-Arp. Color serigraph on heavy paper. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase with funds provided by Martha R. Daura. GMOA 2020.44.9.
“Composition dan un cercle,” 1957. Color serigraph on heavy paper. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase with funds provided by Martha R. Daura. GMOA 2020.44.8.
The artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp designed these prints. She made art after World War I. Artists during this time were reacting to how awful the war was. They tried to show us with their art how to see the world in a different way.
Modern Collage
For inspiration, take another look at Sophie Taeuber-Arp’s prints. Notice the different shapes and colors she uses. Now it is your turn to combine shapes and colors to create something new and interesting.
You’ll need the following supplies included in the art kit (or found at home):
- black paper
- brightly colored paper
- scissors
- glue
Directions:
- Start by cutting out a few shapes in different colors and sizes. Cut squiggle lines, big circles, small circles, zigzags, squares or a new shape no one has ever thought of before.
- When you have a nice variety of shapes and colors to choose from, brainstorm ideas by arranging the shapes in different ways.
- Now glue the shapes to the black paper. Keep cutting and adding shapes until your collage is done.
- Repeat steps one through three to make two more collages.
- Step back and admire your set of collages.
TIP: Pay attention to the space between shapes too. This space is just as important as the shapes you are gluing down.
Family Day art kits are sponsored by Lucy and Buddy Allen and the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art.
We’d love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about this program.