Museum of Art

As a part of the MLK Day 2020 observation at Bates, the Museum of Art is holding a workshop entitled “German Art, American Vision: Understanding How Miracles and Glory Abound Addresses Historical Narratives” throughout the day from 10:45 am – 4:30 pm.

Vanessa German’s exhibition, Miracles and Glory Abound, explores the power of stories through an installation of her assembled sculptures. By drawing from both the visual composition and emotional concept of Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware, German’s sculpted power-figures bring a new narrative to what many see as America’s best-known history painting. Despite its iconic status, the painting contains many visual fabrications, mythologizing rather than portraying an accurate retelling of the historical incident. In an era where notions of truth seem increasingly shaped by ideology, German explores the complicated and nuanced history of the United States, and create a conversation about public memory and the rewriting of history. This art installation will feature discussions and reflections to encourage our community to better understand the power of national myths and in crafting our understanding of history.