Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Unveils Major Exhibit on Conservation History
Little Rock, AR – The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) launched a groundbreaking exhibit titled “The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability” on Friday, exploring the evolution of the conservation movement in the United States through the lens of notable artists like John James Audubon and Ansel Adams. This traveling exhibit is part of Bank of America’s “Art in our Communities” program.
AMFA Curator Jennifer Jankauskas expressed her hope that visitors will appreciate the beauty of the Earth and their role in protecting it. “There’s something for everyone here,” she stated, noting the variety of paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs on display.
The exhibit is organized into four thematic sections, beginning with “The Beginnings of Conservation.” Featuring works by 19th-century artists Audubon and Carleton Watkins, this section underscores how early artists showcased the American landscape’s splendor, propelling early conservation efforts, including the establishment of the National Park Service.
“Push and Pull — Industry and Environment” delves into the complex relationship between agriculture and nature, featuring pieces by Thomas Hart Benton and impactful photos from the Dust Bowl by Arthur Rothstein.
The latter sections, “The Emergence of Conservation Activism” and “Working Towards a Sustainable Vision,” spotlight contemporary works, including Robert Rauschenberg’s iconic “Earth Day” poster, which critiques America’s environmental challenges.
Closing with Lauren Rosenthal McManus’s innovative project “Political/Hydrological,” the exhibit encourages viewers to rethink socio-political boundaries in light of freshwater systems, prompting reflections on climate and conservation.
Open through August 31, “The Long View” invites visitors to reconsider their relationship with the environment and the ongoing fight for sustainability. Don’t miss this enlightening experience that promises to inspire deeper engagement with our natural world.
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