2019 Museum Show | Rich Simmons Art

40" X 30" REFLECTIONS

SPRAY PAINT ON CANVAS

48" X 30" BETWEEN THE CAPES

SPRAY PAINT ON CANVAS

RICH SIMMONS WITH ARTWORK

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

COUPLE POSING WITH ART

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

THE RICH SIMMONS WALL

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

INFO BOARD

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

FIRST MUSEUM SHOW

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

RICH SIMMONS TALKING AT THE MUSEUM

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM, ARKANSAS

MEN OF STEEL, WOMEN OF WONDER - MUSEUM SHOW

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART - ARKANSAS

9 FEBRUARY TO 22 APRIL 2019

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART - TEXAS

21 JUNE TO 1 SEPTEMBER 2019

Superman and Wonder Woman are two of the most beloved icons in American pop culture. Created in times of economic adversity and world war, these characters quickly emerged as beacons of American morality and equality, representing the ideals of truth, justice, and the American way.

The artists in Men of Steel, Women of Wonder use Superman and Wonder Woman to explore national identity, American values, social politics, representation, and the concept of humanity in this exciting, thought-provoking exhibition.

Men of Steel, Women of Wonder is a new exhibition developed by Crystal Bridges Assistant Curator Alejo Benedetti that examines art-world responses to Superman and Wonder Woman ranging from their Depression-era origins to today’s contemporary artist interpretations. Find over 70 paintings, photographs, installations, videos, and more by over 50 artists.

Offering fresh perspectives on these cultural icons and tapping into our current national love for superheroes, the artists in Men of Steel, Women of Wonder use Superman and Wonder Woman to explore national identity, American values, social politics, representation, and the concept of humanity in an exciting, thought-provoking, unforgettable exhibition.

We recognize that Superman and Wonder Woman are familiar figures and may have more appeal for younger audiences. For parents and families, it’s important to know that in Men of Steel, Women of Wonder, there is a range of ways artists are depicting these characters. Some are represented in familiar and heroic ways, while others are exploring mature topics like race, gender, sexuality, and national identity.

"Superman represents the true alpha male. The modern-day god disguised as a mild-mannered man. This juxtaposition always fascinated me. Is everyone I see walking down the street using a disguise to hide their true feelings, strengths and weaknesses? How many of us wish we had the strength of a god to break free from the facades we cower behind? Maybe the biggest show of strength is the ability to be ourselves, free from fear of judgment and persecution and to live life on our own terms. Superheroes can inspire us to break free from the shadows and become the hero we are all capable of being."

RICH SIMMONS