Honoring Karen Johnson Boyd: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

This exhibition features two-dimensional and three-dimensional works in a variety of media. Collector Karen Johnson Boyd supported artists working in craft media as well as those in photography, drawing, collage, painting, and printmaking. She collected contemporary printmakers in-depth, like noted Wisconsinites Warrington Colescott and Frances Myers, in addition to famed Madison-based painter and draftsman, John Wilde. Her strong interest in photography, as both a photographer and collector, led her to acquire works by celebrated artists such as Diane Arbus, Roy DeCarava, and Aaron Siskind. 

In some ways, Mrs. Boyd was revolutionary. Her trademark style—in terms of the work she collected and how she displayed it—was to blend all media together. For example, glass would be shown next to works on paper, baskets, ceramics, metals, and furniture. RAM’s approach to acquiring and displaying work is similar—two-and three-dimensional objects in a variety of media are shown together to demonstrate their commonalities.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.