Kenneth Armitage (British, 1916-2002), Daydream, 1973, polyester resin, wood, and screenprint, 11 x 3 7/8 x 3/4 inches. Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, George R. Kravis II Collection, 2018.012.399. (Photo by Phil Shockley/OSU Brand Management)

OSU Museum of Art to celebrate George R. Kravis II Collection

Monday, January 6, 2020

Starting this month, the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art presents "In the Mind of a Collector", an exhibition celebrating the major gift of the George R. Kravis II collection. Kravis, died in 2018, gifted the OSU Museum of Art more than 700 works of art and design. The exhibition will explore the strategies of a collector and will run from Jan. 14 to July 18.

"In the Mind of a Collector" will feature a wide variety of contemporary art including abstract expressionist paintings, pop art and industrial design objects. Selections include the energized brushstrokes of painter Hans Hofmann to the comic-book inspired pop art of Roy Lichtenstein, a 1950s Frank Lloyd Wright chair and Streamline style radios from the 1930s and 1940s.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the Bocca Sofa by Franco Audrito, inspired by Marilyn Monroe, as well as George’s Trench Coat, a painting by Oklahoma artist Otto Duecker. Other highlights include figurative sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and a Valentine Portable typewriter designed by Ettore Sottsass.

Kravis, a Tulsa native, began collecting objects at an early age but it was not until later in life that he became a serious collector of fine art and design. A dedicated art education supporter, Kravis made it a priority to share his collection.

“Sharing my collection with others has always been a pleasure; more recently it has become my mission,” Kravis had said.

While the exhibit honors the legacy of the late Kravis, it also aims to introduce museum visitors to another important area of the visual arts — industrial design.

“We want to encourage visitors to appreciate the beauty as well as the uses of design objects in this exhibition and in their daily lives.” Arlette Klaric, Associate Chief Curator commented.

There will be a free, public reception for "In the Mind of a Collector" from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 31. The exhibition is organized by the OSU Museum of Art.

Additional events associated with "In the Mind of a Collector" are:

Visiting Artist Presentation – 6 p.m. Jan. 22
Opening Reception – 5-7 p.m. Jan. 31
Second Saturdays – 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13 and July 11.

For more information about the exhibition, visit museum.okstate.edu/mind-collector.

This exhibition is supported by the OSU Museum of Art Advocates, Malinda and Dick Fischer, Mary Ann and Ken Fergeson, The Raymond & Bessie Kravis Foundation, and OSU Museum of Art Founding Patrons and Charter Members.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Duncan | OSU Museum of Art | 405-744-2783 | kristen.duncan@okstate.edu