WXOW News 19 was there to cover “Re-framing the View: 19th-Century American Landscapes” an exhibition at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum that challenges traditional perspectives on American landscape paintings from the 19th century. The exhibition includes works from renowned artists such as William Bradford, Frederic Edwin Church, and Albert Bierstadt, among others. These paintings are known for their picturesque depictions of the American wilderness, often devoid of human presence and imbued with a sense of manifest destiny.
The exhibit goes beyond showcasing the beauty of these landscapes by exploring their historical and cultural contexts. It highlights the gendered aspects of landscape painting, noting that many of the artists were men who ventured into the wilderness, a pursuit considered masculine at the time. However, women also contributed significantly to capturing American flora and fauna through various mediums, such as china and watercolor studies.
A critical aspect of the exhibition is its effort to reframe how these artworks are viewed, incorporating discussions on race, ethnicity, environment, and ecology. For example, the paintings often omit the environmental and social issues of the era, such as the displacement of Native Americans. As noted in the exhibition, these landscapes can be seen as “advertisements for the policies of their time,” reflecting the doctrine of manifest destiny and the concept of the “Vanishing Indian”.
The exhibition also features commentary from contemporary voices. Melissa Olson, a Native journalist, and Alex V. Cipolle, an art critic, discuss how these paintings not only depict natural beauty but also serve as historical documents that reveal underlying social and political agendas. Olson emphasizes the importance of viewing these artworks with a critical eye to understand the broader implications of their idyllic scenes.
Overall, “Re-framing the View” invites visitors to engage in meaningful conversations about the cultural and historical significance of 19th-century American landscapes, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of these artworks beyond their aesthetic appeal.
original post at WXOW News 19