An installation view of H. C. Westermann: Anchor Clanker shows Homage to American Art (Dedicated to Elie Nadelman) (1966), Hutch the One Armed Astro-Turf Man With a Defense (1976), and Little Egypt (1969).
Join us for a conversation in the installation H. C. Westermann: Anchor Clanker—the largest gathering of sculptures by the American artist in Chicago in over 20 years.
The work of Westermann defies easy categorization. While it is contemporary with the rise of Pop Art, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art, Westermann’s work finds affinity with each while remaining wholly independent. His sculptures playfully nudge at the fissures separating high from low, fine art from craft, sincerity from humor. His experiences of violence while serving in the Pacific theater in the Second World War, then again in the Korean War, inflected his worldview and the art he produced.
What to Expect
This program will begin in Gallery 200, on the second floor of the Michigan Avenue building, outside of the entrance to H. C. Westermann: Anchor Clanker. The galleries are accessible via the Grand Staircase near the Michigan Avenue Entrance, and by elevator. The group will spend time in the show discussing select works. There will be a limited number of folding stools available for seating. The program will last approximately 1 hour.
ASL interpretation and/or assisted listening devices are available upon request at [email protected]. These devices are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.
