The Upjohn Mason Grandchildren’s Gallery is awash in vivid colors, fun shapes, and interesting patterns – some of the fundamental building blocks of art. Let’s explore how artists have used these elements in different and unique ways. Do any of these shapes surprise you? Can simple colors make a realistic picture? Can a pattern evoke a feeling? Consider these elements and then see if you can identify them in our other galleries or even outside of the KIA!

Linling Lu: Musical Meditations is an exhibition of recent and new works that continues the artist’s investigations and responses to sound and color. Inspired by various musical genres, such as Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites and Japanese Taiko master Eitetsu Hayashi’s drum piece, Fertility of the Sea, Lu channels these musical encounters, creating circular compositions that become physical manifestations of the music playing in her studio.

A curated combination of modern and contemporary works to explore escapism, social inquiry and cultural reclamation.

This reimagining of the KIA permanent collection will illuminate the ingenuity and innovation that arise from all corners of American society. Unveiling American Genius demonstrates our commitment to an increasingly more inclusive and diverse representation of American artists within our holdings. The exhibition will explore key stories that women, African Americans, Latinx and other artists have told about our culture, art, and history.

Within this unique long-term presentation, viewers will see abstract and contemporary works, and reflections on traditional genres of painting, such as landscapes, still-lifes, and portraiture.