History of Things to Come

Two of the five works featured in the Ruddell Gallery Exhibition, currently on display on the campus of Black Hills State University. The exhibition “History of Things to Come” demonstrates that contemporary Post Modern art practices are alive and well in South Dakota. The selected artists; Michael Baum, Karri A Dieken, James Louks, Erica K Merchant, Mike Knuston, Dustin M Price, and Ann Porter, have attended and/or taught at BHSU within the past decade. While it may not be initially recognizable, the landscape and isolation of western South Dakota has informed the artists’ works in a conceptual manner. Stillness, contemplation, labor, meditation, rural lifestyles, heritage and the landscape are all reoccurring themes throughout the artwork.

Left, Water, lake and trees. Graphite, color pencil. 8 x 8 inches, 2012.
Right, A small boat on the big ocean. Graphite, color penicl. 8 x 8 inches, 2012.