Uncover the Witty World of Saul Steinberg at the OSU Museum of Art's 'Line of Thought' Exhibition

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Media Contact: Casey Ihde | OSU Museum of Art Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2783 | casey.pankey@okstate.edu

Explore the career of Romanian American artist Saul Steinberg at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art’s exhibition "Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg." 

On view from July 25 to Sept. 30, this exhibition showcases a selection of Steinberg's witty drawings and paintings.

Saul Steinberg, best known for his iconic drawings in The New Yorker, left an indelible mark on the art world with his humorous and insightful depictions of modern life. 

“His drawings combine humor, satire and social commentary, resulting in designs which are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging,” curator Christina Elliott said. 

However, Steinberg's artistic journey was not without its challenges.

Born into a Russian Jewish family in Romania, Steinberg experienced the weight of antisemitism during the 1920s. Seeking refuge from the growing hostility, he moved to Milan in 1933. There he pursued architecture studies and worked as a cartoonist for a local Italian newspaper. His time at the newspaper ended quickly due to the rise of antisemitic racial laws under Benito Mussolini's regime. 

In Santo Domingo awaiting a US visa, Steinberg sent drawings to periodicals in the United States. By the time he arrived in New York City in 1942, several of his drawings had already been published in The New Yorker. In 1943, Steinberg joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and became a U.S. citizen.

Throughout his career, Steinberg continued his collaboration with The New Yorker. He exhibited his works in over 80 solo shows in galleries and museums across the United States, Europe and South America. 

“Steinberg’s lines depict forms that look effortless but show clever deliberation,” Elliott said. "He's playful but tactical, which allows him to explore serious themes with humor and visual intrigue."        

Selections for this exhibition were pulled from a generous gift of Steinberg's artwork given by The Saul Steinberg Foundation to the museum in 2021. The donation comprises drawings, textiles, wallpaper samples, paintings and prints.

The exhibition invites viewers to delve into Steinberg's imaginative world where lines transform into narratives. "Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg" offers visitors an in-depth exploration of Steinberg's career, artistic talents and sense of humor. Learn more at  http://museum.okstate.edu/art/line-of-thought.html.