Wilbur Niewald · In the Landscape

"In 1970, I stood at my studio window and thought 'why am I not looking out and painting what I see?' It was one of the most liberating experiences I’ve ever had.”  - Wilbur Niewald

At 93 years of age, Wilbur Niewald is one of the most beloved and legendary artists working in Kansas City. His professional and artistic careers have spanned more than seven decades and garnered him innumerable accolades, exhibitions and awards. Yet on any given day he may be found painting at one of his favorite sites about town. Braving the elements, Niewald continues to enthusiastically paint the city he loves.

For the exhibition In the Landscape, the Nerman Museum invited Niewald to create new works over the course of a year (2017/2018). The resulting 12 watercolors were painted en plain air and encapsulate many of his favorite motifs and views. They exemplify his passionate belief in responding directly to the world around him.

This is the second exhibition (following previous Wendell Castle exhibits) celebrating an iconic Kansas artist which the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art has organized collaboratively with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. For In the Landscape, the Nerman MoCA focuses upon Niewald’s most current work, while the Nelson-Atkins exhibit featured earlier paintings.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website