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Kemper Museum is a free art museum in Kansas City, Missouri that presents global contemporary art.

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Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art acknowledges it resides on the ancestral territory of the Osage, Kaw, and Otoe-Missouria, among other tribal nations forcibly moved to the region such as the Shawnee, Wyandot, Delaware, Potawatomi, Sac and Fox and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations. We recognize and support the continued vibrancy of Native communities and cultures today who continue to thrive, as well as the inherent sovereignty of tribal nations. We are compelled to serve and advocate for these communities in accordance with our public mission.

Kemper Museum acknowledges and respects the diversity of Native people connected to this land today. Many recognize the land and all beings who live within it as relatives. We acknowledge the earth we inhabit, the waters of the Blue River, the Kansas River, the Missouri River, and the plants, animals, and people supported by them. 

We acknowledge our responsibility to be good caretakers of the land we occupy. 

Click here to learn more about our land acknowledgment process.

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Tom Otterness

Tom Otterness’s monumental sculpture depicts a cartoonish figure with a spherical head and torso and tubular limbs, sitting on a rectangular base. A sharp conical cap balances its rounded body. Its head is bowed and hands cover its face. Other than the detailing of fingers and toes, the only other human characteristic of the giant is the downturned mouth that can only be seen if one steps under its head and looks up. Although it was created as a response to the tragedy of 9/11, the slumped shoulders and sorrowful expression communicate a universal expression of sadness to be understood by everyone. Otterness is known for creating accessible public sculptures around the world that encourage public interaction and reflection. These qualities are evident in Crying Giant, which invites viewers to relate to it as they would in checking on a sad friend.

– Ziying Song, MA Student in Art History, University of Kansas, Fall 2025

Crying Giant

Crying Giant, 2002Tom Otterness