The Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

The strength of the permanent collection at the Plains Art Museum lies in ambitious, contemporary artwork from our region, as well as national artwork of historical and artistic significance. Thanks to recent generous gifts, our community’s collection has grown substantially, and in recognition, we are proud to present t(here): Recent Acquisitions at Plains Art Museum.

Many of the artworks in the exhibition stem from a very generous gift to the Museum from the Cowles family (Minneapolis, MN). t(here) borrows its title from a suite of prints by Minnesota-based artist Steven Sorman. Sorman’s prints, like the exhibition as a whole, are elegant yet complex – universal yet regional. The exhibition is vast, and highlights Minnesota-connected artists like Sorman, Julie Buffalohead, Jim Denomie, Chris Faust, Curtis Hoard, David Rathman, Dougie Padilla, Zoran Mojsilov and others. While individual pieces in the exhibition represent a wide range of artistic expression, several connections and currents can be found. A print by the great Alexander Calder provides historical context to a collection of minimalist works and elegant ceramic pieces that embrace aesthetic simplicity, beauty and psychology. Conversely, works by Star Wallowing Bull, Andrea Carlson, and the Minnesota artist duo AMTK are rich with social commentary, visual complexity and mystery. No matter your artistic inclinations, your art museum’s collection has something for you, and we are excited to share these new works.