Saturday, February 13, 2016

Grant Wood at 125

Today is the 125th anniversary of the birth of artist Grant Wood [1891-1942]. Pictured above is the house in Eldon, Iowa that is portrayed in the background of his most famous painting, American Gothic. An iconic work that has been parodied countless times since its execution in 1930, Wood based the taciturn farm couple on his own sister and dentist. The painting won a bronze medal in a competition sponsored by the Art Institute of Chicago, where it has remained as part of their permanent collection.

Further information on Grant Wood can be found in previous Common Curator posts: Grant Wood Sketchbook Returns to Figge Art Museum and 120th Anniversary of Grant Wood's Birth.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Happy Year of the Monkey / 猴 年 快 樂 !

A Chinese street performer and his costumed monkey are putting on a show for an appreciative crowd. This photograph was taken by the Common Curator during travels in the People's Republic of China.