Do You See What I See?
Gallery exhibition: September 6, 2022 – May 27, 2023
Virtual exhibition launch: October 2022
People often assume that everyone shares the same associations with an iconic image or object, such as the American flag. The title of this exhibition brings attention to the reality that people have different perspectives about popular icons and cultural ideas, which can often lead to misunderstanding and disagreement. Visitors can see recent acquisitions by Paul Rucker and Archie Scott Gobber and important works from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, including a portrait by Grant Wood and a large sculpture of an ear by John Baldessari. All artworks challenge viewers to think twice about what a familiar object or person represents and discover through conversation just how varied individual interpretations of even a common symbol can be. The loans from Crystal Bridges Museum were made possible by a Collection Loan Partnership with Art Bridges, which seeks to increase access to and engagement with American art in rural and regional venues. The exhibition presents artworks that challenge viewers to engage in dialogue with those who have different thoughts about what something means.
Platinum Major Sponsors: Art Bridges and Friends of the Beach Museum of Art
Gold Sponsors: Beach-Edwards Family Foundation
Bronze Sponsors: Steve and Janet Cooper, Russell Clay Harvey and Patty McGivern
Related Free Events:
“Seeing Freedom?”
Thursday, September 22, 5:30 p.m.
Livestream conversation with Elisabeth Anker on the diverse meanings of iconic images and objects. Anker is an associate professor of American Studies and Political Science at George Washington University.
Join the free program via Zoom. Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the program.
Do You See What I See? Diverse Perspectives on Iconic Images and Objects
Thursday, November 3, 5:30 p.m.
In-person and livestream
Introduction to the exhibition through conversations about select works with a group of invited participants, including K-State campus leaders and students and community members.
Click here to register and join the free program via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the program.
Support provided by
Image: Paul Rucker, Four Little Girls (stamps), 2019, from the series Commemorative Stamp Set, inkjet print on paper, 8 1/2 x 11 in., 2020.55b
Transfigurations: Reanimating Ancient Art of India | David Lebrun
Gallery exhibition: September 27, 2022 – May 27, 2023
Like last year’s 45 Paleolithic Handaxes, this immersive installation by artist and experimental filmmaker David Lebrun is part of an ambitious series, Transfigurations: Reanimating the Past. Lebrun and his creative team have traveled the world to study and capture the beauty of iconic artworks in high resolution photographs. For each object type, the artist meticulously sequences and animates images of individual objects. In this years’ installation, centuries-old sculptures of the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, as well as attendants to Vishnu, are Lebrun’s focus. The hypnotic transitions from one image to the next give coherence to the group, revealing characteristics that might not be noticeable if each ancient object were examined individually. A sound score by composer Yuval Ron aims to enhance the viewer’s experience, creating a calm, contemplative atmosphere.
The artist and his team offer extensive information about the sculptures at the Exploration Station, a touchscreen outside the Wefald Gallery. Museum visitors can use this to learn about each artwork featured in the animations. The separation of this didactic from the immersive experience in Wefald acknowledges distinctly different ways of learning and knowing. See the past differently!
Platinum Major Sponsors: Cytek Media Systems, Inc., K-State Division of Information Technology and Weary Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors: David and Mindy Weaver
Silver Sponsors: Jerry and Barbara Boettcher and Terry and Tara Cupps
Bronze Sponsors: Judy and David Regehr and Bill and Sharon Snyder
Related Free Events:
Diwali/Festival of Lights Celebration
Thursday, October 20, 5:30 p.m.
At the Beach Museum of Art
Organized in collaboration with the K-State chapter of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) and the K-State Indian Student AssociationIn-person
Let’s Talk Art: David Lebrun and Yuval Ron
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 12 p.m.
Livestream conversation. Zoom registration link coming soon. Stay tuned!
Image: © Night Fire Films
Art in Motion
Annual Program Series
A tribute to Marianna’s love for lifelong learning.
Join our free public programs!
Please check beach.k-state.edu/calendar for the most updated information on programs and events.
- Sept. 15, 2022: Film screening of Land & Flower and Prairie Divination. Film screening, discussion, poetry, readings with David Wayne Reed & Megan Kaminski.
- Oct 6, 2022: Let’s Talk Art: Livestream conversation with artist Fidencio Fifield-Perez.
- Nov 3, 2022: Do You See What I See? Diverse Perspectives on Iconic Images and Objects. In-person and livestream gallery conversation
- Dec. 3, 2022: Holiday Workshop
- Dec. 8, 2022: Beach Indoor/Outdoor Winter Party
Join Beach Museum Curator Aileen June Wang and Elisabeth R. Anker, associate professor of American studies and political science at George Washington University, for a livestream conversation about the surprisingly many meanings that “iconic” words, images, and objects can have. Professor Anker has done research on how the word “freedom” represented different ideas throughout the history of the United States. Elisabeth Anker is also the author of two books, Orgies of Feeling: Melodrama and the Politics of Freedom, and Ugly Freedoms, which was just published in January 2022. She is co-editor of the journal Theory & Event, and a regular news commentator on international TV.
Enjoy short videos about art in the Beach Museum of Art’s collection. Each video will feature information about an 
ARTSmart Classes
Special price for Military Families: In conjunction with the Blue Star Museum program, the Beach Museum of Art offers Military Family half price on all workshops and classes!
