{"id":26324,"date":"2022-04-22T14:24:20","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T18:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/five-zucchini.flywheelsites.com\/?p=26324"},"modified":"2023-12-20T14:37:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T19:37:53","slug":"directors-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/butlerart.com\/blog\/directors-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Director&#8217;s Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-60px|auto||auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Directors-Blog-1024&#215;1024-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A graphic of a Dr Zona giving a speech that says &#8216;Director&#8217;s Blog The thoughts of the Butler&#8217;s Executive Director\/Chief Curator'&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Directors-Blog&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;70%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;14px||2px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px|19px|0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">September 2022<\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Wilfredo Lam &#8211; Hispanic Heritage Month<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|auto|11px|auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Wilfredo-Lam_Phenomene-Phalene_1944-576&#215;768-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A photo of a framed, colorful abstract painting&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Wilfredo-Lam_Phenomene-Phalene_1944-576&#215;768&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Wilfred Lam, <em>Ph\u00e8nom\u00e8ne Phal\u00e8ne<\/em>, 1944. Oil and gouache on paper. Private Collection of David M. and Cecile Draime.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Since the Draime collection exhibition has been extended into November, and September is Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to focus attention on a favorite Hispanic artist in that popular private collection. The Draimes loved the work of the Cuban born painter, Willfredo Lam. Lam\u2019s paintings are all about organic forms and often represent animal and plants in a stage of disintegration.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Like so many artists of the early 20<sup>th<\/sup> century, the influence of Picasso\u2019s cubism can be seen within the work of Lam. Note also that Picasso\u2019s concepts of space are also seen in the paintings as is his later references to Surrealism. Andre Breton, the father of Surrealism, was taken with the work of Lam as was the well-known abstract Surrealist, Joan Miro.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #3a6c7c;\">Willfredo Lam, who was proud of his Cuban roots, is not as well-known as so many of his contemporaries, but he was greatly admired by many of the abstract artists of the day. He has been referred to as an artist\u2019s artist.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Louis Zona<\/strong><br \/>\nExecutive Director\/Chief Curator<br \/>\nThe Butler Institute of American Art<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.24)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;89%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-12px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px|19px|0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">August 2022<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Clement Meadmore\u2019s Melded Metal<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Meadmore-sculpture-576&#215;768-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;An outdoor photo of a sculpture with two &#8216;L&#8217; shape blocks&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Meadmore-sculpture-576&#215;768&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Clement Meadmore (1929-2005), <em>Upbeat<\/em>, 1984. Sculpture in bronze. 72 x 60 x 48 inches.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In front of Butler North (the former first Christian church) is a small but beautiful grouping of bronze sculptures including a work by the Australian American abstract sculptor, Clement Meadmore. What is particularly fascinating about Meadmore\u2019s work is how he is able to twist and turn metal as if it is pliable rubber. These large metallic knot-like abstractions became well-known nationally in the 1960s (when the Minimalist period began which emphasized clean and simple forms). The movement was a response to a world predicting the digital age. In the end, the sculpture of Clement Meadmore presents Post-World War II three-dimensional art at its very best. The Butler is grateful to the Draime family which made the Butler\u2019s sculpture area possible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Louis Zona<\/strong><br \/>\nExecutive Director\/Chief Curator<br \/>\nThe Butler Institute of American Art<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.24)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;89%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-12px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px|19px|0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">June 2022<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Thoughts on The Butler&#8217;s Midyear Exhibition<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">While the Butler Institute will always be known for its extraordinary collection of American art masterpieces, it is also known for its annual juried exhibition, the National Midyear Show, one of the oldest in the United States. We at the Butler are particularly proud that the Midyear has launched many art careers through the years. Artists from over 20 states are usual participants in this very fine exhibition of contemporary art. Visitors to the exhibit will note that a large percentage of entered works are exceptional examples of traditional academic realism. But we can also note that invariably the show presents an example of Photorealism or Hyperrealism. Overall, the Butler&#8217;s Midyear show is a treat for the eye and mind and an essential part of summer in Ohio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Louis Zona<\/strong><br \/>\nExecutive Director\/Chief Curator<br \/>\nThe Butler Institute of American Art<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.24)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;89%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-12px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px|19px|0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Abhaya Libre||||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#3a6c7c&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">April 2022<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">The Private Collection of David M. and Cecile Draime<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Draime-Collectn_Davis-Gal-shot_Photo-Apr-21-10-33-22-AM-1024&#215;768-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A photo of a room with white walls and framed art on the walls&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Draime-Collectn_Davis-Gal-shot_Photo-Apr-21-10-33-22-AM-1024&#215;768&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The private art collection of D. Max and Cecile Draime now on view at The Butler Institute of American Art includes many of the biggest names in world art, including choice works by American masters. Among the American stars are two members of the New York School, Robert Motherwell, and William Baziotes. Their art can be seen as highly charged abstractions that helped to define the American style of artmaking after the Second World War. Both men had participated in the Federal Art Project of the WPA before turning their attention toward emotion-based painting that became known as Abstract Expressionism.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Baziotes\u2019 paintings often include organic shapes that appear to be floating in a void. Motherwell depends upon heavy applications of paint accompanied by intentional splashing and a distinctive black shape which dominates the rectangular canvas or board. One can also find in Motherwell\u2019s color choice of dominant black, brown, and cream is somewhat reminiscent of the color markings of a variety of bulls. Motherwell\u2019s work is often said to pay tribute to Spanish culture and the bullring, which is such an important element of that culture.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">A hidden gem in the Draime Collection, installed in the second-level galleries of the Butler, is a classic painting by the Depression Era painter, Reginald Marsh, whose <em>Walking Girl<\/em> is so very typical of this influential artist and teacher. Completed in 1949, the Marsh painting, with its rich earth tones, offers a wonderful view of a favorite subject of so many artists of the period, the female form in motion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The post-world-war American art, as seen in the Draime collection, would ultimately impact European art in a big way. Remember that for generations, the opposite had been true, when Americans looked to Europe for inspiration. This distinguished collection speaks volumes on the success of American art and artists at mid-century.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Louis Zona<\/strong><br \/>\nExecutive Director\/Chief Curator<br \/>\nThe Butler Institute of American Art<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read the thoughts of The Butler\u2019s Executive Director\/Chief Curator.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29165,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=\"26325\" img_size=\"large\" alignment=\"center\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1\/3\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/3\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/3\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">September 2022<\/h1><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Wilfredo Lam - Hispanic Heritage Month<\/h3><p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_width=\"grid\"][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_26461\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<img class=\"wp-image-26461 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Wilfredo-Lam_Phenomene-Phalene_1944-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Image of framed and hanging painting by Wilfredo Lam titled Ph\u00e8nom\u00e8ne Phal\u00e8ne, 1944 on the gallery wall in the private Draime Collection exhibition\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/> Wilfred Lam, <em>Ph\u00e8nom\u00e8ne Phal\u00e8ne<\/em>, 1944. Oil and gouache on paper. Private Collection of David M. and Cecile Draime.[\/caption]<p>Since the Draime collection exhibition has been extended into November, and September is Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to focus attention on a favorite Hispanic artist in that popular private collection. The Draimes loved the work of the Cuban born painter, Willfredo Lam. Lam\u2019s paintings are all about organic forms and often represent animal and plants in a stage of disintegration.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Like so many artists of the early 20<sup>th<\/sup> century, the influence of Picasso\u2019s cubism can be seen within the work of Lam. Note also that Picasso\u2019s concepts of space are also seen in the paintings as is his later references to Surrealism. Andre Breton, the father of Surrealism, was taken with the work of Lam as was the well-known abstract Surrealist, Joan Miro.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Willfredo Lam, who was proud of his Cuban roots, is not as well-known as so many of his contemporaries, but he was greatly admired by many of the abstract artists of the day. He has been referred to as an artist\u2019s artist.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Dr. Louis Zona<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Executive Director\/Chief Curator<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">The Butler Institute of American Art<\/p><p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">August 2022<\/h1><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Clement Meadmore\u2019s Melded Metal<\/h3><p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_width=\"grid\"][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_26459\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<img class=\"wp-image-26459 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Meadmore-sculpture-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Image of metal Clement Meadmore sculpture outside in front of Butler North as part of Draime Sculpture Garden\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/> Clement Meadmore (1929-2005), <em>Upbeat<\/em>, 1984. Sculpture in bronze. 72 x 60 x 48 inches.[\/caption]<p>In front of Butler North (the former first Christian church) is a small but beautiful grouping of bronze sculptures including a work by the Australian American abstract sculptor, Clement Meadmore. What is particularly fascinating about Meadmore\u2019s work is how he is able to twist and turn metal as if it is pliable rubber. These large metallic knot-like abstractions became well-known nationally in the 1960s (when the Minimalist period began which emphasized clean and simple forms). The movement was a response to a world predicting the digital age. In the end, the sculpture of Clement Meadmore presents Post-World War II three-dimensional art at its very best. The Butler is grateful to the Draime family which made the Butler\u2019s sculpture area possible.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Dr. Louis Zona<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Executive Director\/Chief Curator<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">The Butler Institute of American Art<\/p><p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">June 2022<\/h1><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Thoughts on The Butler's Midyear Exhibition<\/h3><p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_width=\"grid\"][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left;\">While the Butler Institute will always be known for its extraordinary collection of American art masterpieces, it is also known for its annual juried exhibition, the National Midyear Show, one of the oldest in the United States. We at the Butler are particularly proud that the Midyear has launched many art careers through the years. Artists from over 20 states are usual participants in this very fine exhibition of contemporary art. Visitors to the exhibit will note that a large percentage of entered works are exceptional examples of traditional academic realism. But we can also note that invariably the show presents an example of Photorealism or Hyperrealism. Overall, the Butler's Midyear show is a treat for the eye and mind and an essential part of summer in Ohio.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Dr. Louis Zona<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Executive Director\/Chief Curator<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">The Butler Institute of American Art<\/p><p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">April 2022<\/h1><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Private Collection of David M. and Cecile Draime<\/h3><p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_width=\"grid\"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1661359182301{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}\"]<img class=\"alignleft wp-image-26317\" src=\"https:\/\/butlerart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Draime-Collectn_Davis-Gal-shot_Photo-Apr-21-10-33-22-AM-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Image of one corner of the Davis Gallery where a sculpture and six paintings are displayed as part of the Draime Collection exhibition \" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><\/p><p>The private art collection of D. Max and Cecile Draime now on view at The Butler Institute of American Art includes many of the biggest names in world art, including choice works by American masters. Among the American stars are two members of the New York School, Robert Motherwell, and William Baziotes. Their art can be seen as highly charged abstractions that helped to define the American style of artmaking after the Second World War. Both men had participated in the Federal Art Project of the WPA before turning their attention toward emotion-based painting that became known as Abstract Expressionism.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Baziotes\u2019 paintings often include organic shapes that appear to be floating in a void. Motherwell depends upon heavy applications of paint accompanied by intentional splashing and a distinctive black shape which dominates the rectangular canvas or board. One can also find in Motherwell\u2019s color choice of dominant black, brown, and cream is somewhat reminiscent of the color markings of a variety of bulls. Motherwell\u2019s work is often said to pay tribute to Spanish culture and the bullring, which is such an important element of that culture.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>A hidden gem in the Draime Collection, installed in the second-level galleries of the Butler, is a classic painting by the Depression Era painter, Reginald Marsh, whose <em>Walking Girl<\/em> is so very typical of this influential artist and teacher. Completed in 1949, the Marsh painting, with its rich earth tones, offers a wonderful view of a favorite subject of so many artists of the period, the female form in motion.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>The post-world-war American art, as seen in the Draime collection, would ultimately impact European art in a big way. Remember that for generations, the opposite had been true, when Americans looked to Europe for inspiration. This distinguished collection speaks volumes on the success of American art and artists at mid-century.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Dr. Louis Zona<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">Executive Director\/Chief Curator<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\">The Butler Institute of American Art<\/p><p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Director&#039;s Blog | Blog | The Butler Institute of American Art<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read the thoughts of The Butler\u2019s Executive Director\/Chief Curator, Louis Zona.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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