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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.

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Ed Blackburn

Cityscapes and Indoor Spaces Exhibition Checklist FINAL_updated dates.pdf

Cityscapes and Indoor Spaces contrasted the bustling energy of the city with the quiet intimacy of indoor spaces, as depicted in selected works of art from Kemper Museum’s Permanent Collection. This exhibition highlighted works that emphasize the personalities of the architectures of popular cities and interior spaces. 

In Looking Up Broadway, Again! (1993), Red Grooms (American, born 1937) uses his well-known whimsical style to “bring to life the texture of the city.” The bright colors on the street along with the traffic give this depiction of Broadway Street in midtown Manhattan a loud and busy feel. In City Edge (1988), Night Ridge (1987), and Neighborhood Ridge (1984), Wayne Thiebaud (American, born 1920) paints San Francisco’s Potrero Hill district, where he moved in 1972. Thiebaud’s interest in the steep hills of the city mirror many of the buildings and bring character to these works even though no figures are present. Philip-Lorca DiCorcia (American, born 1951) takes candid snapshots of pedestrians, capturing surprised, unposed moments in contemporary city streets in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Naples, among others. Japan (1994) exudes instantaneity and intensity, suggesting Tokyo’s energy.

Focusing on interior spaces, Michael Eastman (American, born 1947) created a portrait in Isabella’s Two Chairs (2000) using a large chandelier, hanging clothing, and two chairs standing in for figures to give the viewer a glimpse into this home. Untitled (Brooklyn, NY), from the series I Would Make You My Own (2005) by artist Anthony Lepore (American, born 1977) depicts a young woman in her living room working with her falcon. For this work, Lepore focuses on themes of family and pets to explore people’s desire to possess and connect with the world around them. The works in this exhibition showing interiors create a sense of intimacy that allows for a brief understanding of the personality of the homes depicted and the lives of the people in them.

Cityscapes and Indoor Spaces was curated by Jade Powers, assistant curator at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Generous contributions of all sizes help keep the Museum FREE for all visitors.

At Kemper Museum there is no charge for admission, parking, special exhibitions, or programs. Your donation underwrites these expenses and inspires many thousands with contemporary art each year.

Cityscapes and Indoor Spaces

Ed Blackburn, (American, born 1940), Landscape, 2011, digital print on paper, edition 2 of 3, 17 x 22 inches. Collection of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri, Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection, Museum purchase made possible by a gift from the R. C. Kemper Charitable Trust, 2011.04.01. art and photo © and courtesy of the artist.