It may look like it belongs on Cartoon Network, but this pop art has sharp edges and deep themes that makes it for adults, not for kids.
The simplicity of the pieces in the Art in the ‘Toon Age exhibition at the Ball State University Museum of Art makes people think about the messages hiding behind the bright colors and pop-art style.
“Art of the ‘Toon Age” is a traveling exhibition curated by April Kingsley, curator at the Kresge Art Museum at Michigan State University. Kingsley came up with the idea after working with Ball State’s museum curator, Peter Blume, on a John Clem Clarke exhibition. She said she was impressed with the style of thinking behind ‘toon art and began to notice other artists with similar styles.
“All these artists sort of knew of each other but didn’t see each other as belonging to any kind of group. This is the first time that have really been brought together,” Kingsley said.
Because the artists she discovered came from all over the world, many of them had different styles.
However, associate curator Ruta Saliklis said the pop culture influences in all the pieces pulled them into one cohesive group.
“It’s taking a general approach to art that has in some way been inspired by cartoons, pop art, comic books and illustrations,” Saliklis said.
Kingsley began purchasing works of art that had a cartoon-like, pop-art feel and discovered the massive amount of artwork that fell into the ‘toon art category.
The first generation of artists began in the 1940s and 1950s, but later generations followed. By collecting pieces from all the generations, Kingsley was able to show the progression of ‘toon art through the century. While some artists have been famous for decades, Kingsley said many others only started to become well-known recently.
What started as a small exhibition quickly grew into a large show with 43 pieces by 32 artists. Along with visiting several other museums, Kingsley said plans are in the works to take the show to Turkey within the next few years.
Two extra pieces from the Ball State Museum of Art’s collection are being shown with the traveling exhibition. Roger Brown’s “Burners, Beaters, and Burglars” is included, along with a Clarke piece named “Heater and Tub-Pentimenti.” The Clarke piece was purchased from the Kresge Art Museum and had been part of the exhibition that sparked the ‘toon art idea.
One of the pieces that Saliklis said the exhibition has centered around is “Girl in a Box” by Yoshitomo Nara. Saliklis said the cartoon intrigues her, and she “gravitates toward it.”
“You can make up the most complex narrative about her. Why is she angry? Why is she in a box?” she said.
Two other deceivingly simple works are “Loopy” and “Cut Out” by Jeff Koons. Both are dream-like screenprints that incorporate cereal with unusual shapes and backgrounds. While Koon’s work may look lighthearted and simple, Kingsley said many people find deeper meanings in his work.
“A lot of it has to do with life, indigestion and breathing. It’s like he’s afraid he’s going to lose it,” she said.
Not every work needs to be understood on a deeper level to be enjoyed, however. Junior Ann Shuler said she was amazed by the Lite-Brite creation named “Superstar Ken” by Steve De Frank.
“It looks like the stuff you used to do when you were younger. It is very modern,” said Shuler.
That fun, modern feeling is what Saliklis said she hopes will draw college students in. The depth to the work is what she hopes will keep students and Muncie residents looking.
“It’s a lot of fun, but there are other undercurrents as well — sexual things, war, genocide and more — but on the surface it has the springy things like pop,” she said.
A free reception for the exhibition will be held Thursday. Kingsley will give a talk on ‘toon-age art at 3:30 p.m. in Fine Arts Building Room 217, and the reception will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the museum with music and refreshments. The exhibition’s run began Aug. 18 and will continue until Oct. 30.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
