Rockwell exhibition embodies The Business of Illustrating the American Dream

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), ‘Beanie,’ 1954. Advertising illustrations for the Kellogg Company. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum, gift of the Kellogg Company, NRM.1993.01
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), ‘Beanie,’ 1954. Advertising illustrations for the Kellogg Company. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum, gift of the Kellogg Company, NRM.1993.01
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), ‘Beanie,’ 1954. Advertising illustrations for the Kellogg Company. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum, gift of the Kellogg Company, NRM.1993.01. Image courtesy of the Norman Rockwell Museum

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Norman Rockwell Museum is now displaying an exhibition exploring the business and cultural context of Rockwell’s art. Norman Rockwell: The Business of Illustrating the American Dream examines how Rockwell navigated relationships with publishers, advertising clients and other business entities to create work that shaped and reflected American culture and influenced notions of the American Dream. Based on extensive research in the Norman Rockwell Museum archives by guest curator Deborah Hoover, the exhibition shines new light on the interplay of artistry, advertising, consumerism, business relationships and ambitious cultural, consumer and capitalist agendas that informed Rockwell’s work. The show will close at the end of October on an as-yet unspecified date.

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Norman Rockwell Museum explores illustrations of race

Emory Douglas. (b. 1943-), ‘Martin Luther King, Jr.,’ 1993. Cover illustration for the Sun-Reporter, 1993. © 2022 Emory Douglas / Licensed by AFNYLAW.com
Emory Douglas. (b. 1943-), ‘Martin Luther King, Jr.,’ 1993. Cover illustration for the Sun-Reporter, 1993. © 2022 Emory Douglas / Licensed by AFNYLAW.com
Emory Douglas. (b. 1943-), ‘Martin Luther King, Jr.,’ 1993. Cover illustration for the Sun-Reporter, 1993. © 2022 Emory Douglas / Licensed by AFNYLAW.com

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. – Imprinted: Illustrating Race, on view at the Norman Rockwell Museum through October 30, examines the role of published images in shaping attitudes toward race and culture. More than 300 artworks and objects of widely-circulated illustrated imagery are on display, produced from the late 18th century to today, which have an impact on public perception about race in the United States. The exhibition explores stereotypical racial representations that have been imprinted upon us through the mass publication of images. It culminates with the creative accomplishments of contemporary artists and publishers who have shifted the cultural narrative through the creation of positive, inclusive imagery emphasizing full agency and equity for all.

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Rockwell Museum’s ‘Enchanted’ lauds fantasy illustration

Anna Dittmann, ‘I Dreamt I Could Fly,’ 2017, © Anna Dittmann
Anna Dittmann, ‘I Dreamt I Could Fly,’ 2017, © Anna Dittmann
Anna Dittmann, ‘I Dreamt I Could Fly,’ 2017, © Anna Dittmann

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. – Fictional worlds of magic and adventure come to life through fantasy illustration. Myths, legends, fables, romance, and epic battles involving swords and sorcery occur in a world unfamiliar to us. Unlike science fiction, which is based on fact, fantasy presents an imaginative reality built on universal themes — heroes defeating fire-breathing dragons, angels and demons engaging in combat, and mythological tales of love and loss. Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration, which opened at the Norman Rockwell Museum on June 12 and continues through October 31, explores the full range of this underappreciated form of art.

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