View classic scenes that symbolize the American way of life through the familiar works of American Regionalist artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). Benton belonged to the last generation of artists that wanted to provide Americans with a democratic art easily accessible to the average citizen. Regionalism refers to the work of a number of rural artists, mostly from the Midwest, who came to prominence in the 1930s. What they shared was a humble, anti-modernist style and a desire to depict everyday life. Benton was at the forefront of the American Scene movement along with Grant Wood who was known for his famous painting of “American Gothic.” Benton’s belief was that art is renewed from life, not from art. This was a direct reaction to the work of Jackson Pollock, one of Benton’s principal students at the Art Students League from 1930 to 1933. “Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975): The American Story”, on display through July 28, includes two of Benton’s major oil paintings, “The Twist” and “Ozark Reflections,” along with fifteen etchings and two bronze works, all on loan to the Museum from a private collection.

Biography of Thomas Hart Benton

Gallery Guide for Thomas Hart Benton: The American Story

The Twist, oil, by Thomas Hart Benton