Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the exclusive venue for the first retrospective of sculptural works by Pop Art master Jim Dine. As one of the most revered American artists, Dine has been a major force across the contemporary scene since the advent of the Pop Art movement.
Celebrated for his paintings and graphic work, Dine’s equally prolific and profound efforts as a sculptor are less well-known. “Jim Dine: Sculpture” is on display through May 8.
The exhibition traces the origins of Dine’s sculpture from the early work of the late 1950s and the early 1960s through his most recently completed efforts. Many of Dine’s iconic themes are explored, including his use of tool and tool imagery, the Venus figure and the heart motif. Most recent is his exploration of the Pinocchio theme.
With more than 20 works, it is Dine’s largest sculpture exhibition to date. It encompasses all three of Meijer Gardens’ gallery spaces as well as nontraditional exhibit spaces. “The Technicolor Heart (The Big One),” a 12-foot painted bronze heart, is displayed on the adjoining Keeler Sculpture Terrace.
“Venus in Five Colors,” 5-foot bronze female figures in a variety of hues, are installed in the five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Visitors can experience the depth and breadth of the artist’s efforts by also visiting “The Thunder,” part of the organization’s permanent collection, on display in the Sculpture Park.
The exhibition has been organized in cooperation with the artist, the Pace Gallery, New York City, and Richard Gray Gallery, Chicago.
Dine will speak at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on April 14 at 7 pm as part of the 2011 Midwest Art History Society Conference. The event is open to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park members and conference attendees.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is at 1000 East Beltline Avenue, NE. For information, 616-975-3155 or www.meijergardens.org .
