Overalls: Grant Wood’s Depictions of Denim, May 13 – August 27, 2023

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In the Spring 72.jpg
Grant Wood, In the Spring, 1939, lithograph, 9 x 12 inches, gift of Harriet Y. and John B. Turner II, 72.12.30.
72_12_16_Wood_DraftHorse72.jpg
Grant Wood, Study for ‘Draft Horse’, 1932, charcoal and pencil on paper, gift of Harriet Y. and John B. Turner II, 72.12.16.
72_12_51_GW_Overall Doors 72.jpg
Grant Wood, Bibbed Overalls Cupboard Door, about 1925, painted wood and cloth, 56 x 52 ¼ inches, gift of Harriet Y. and John B. Turner II, 72.12.51.
Approaching Storm 72.jpg
Grant Wood, Approaching Storm, 1940, lithograph, 11 13/16 x 8 13/16 inches, gift of Harriet Y. and John B. Turner II, 72.12.40.
93_11_Wood_StudyforSelfPortrait72.jpg
Grant Wood, Study for Self-Portrait, 1932, charcoal and pastel on paper, 15 ¼ x 12 ¾ inches, museum purchase, 93.11.

Overalls:  Grant Wood’s Depictions of Denim

May 13 – August 27, 2023

Jeans are the ubiquitous American garment.  Its history documents both the good and bad in American society and reveals a great deal about American culture.  Grant Wood is well-known for appearing in his working uniform, overalls.  Made of denim, they were not only a great working outfit but also referenced his youth growing up on a farm.  But overalls were used for far more than farming and depictions of overalls, denim, and jeans appear frequently in his work.  This exhibition looks at depictions of denim in Wood’s work and the implications of their appearance.

This exhibition and accompanying educational programming have been made possible in part by the Program Support Grant Fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts, members of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and contributors to the Museum’s Annual Fund.  Annual educational programming has been supported in part by Transamerica.