Between
Grass & Sky
Cowboy Culture, Contemporary
The Nevada Museum of Art in Reno and the Western Folklore Center in Elko are presenting the collaborative exhibition 'Between Grass & Sky'. Both exhibitions are based on Buck Ramsey's poem 'Grass' on the vastness of the American West.
The two shows complement each other visually in a yin and yang way. The Reno show showcases contemporary artwork by artists like Ed Ruscha and Scott Hudson in a white box setting. Elko celebrates the tools of the cowboy trade in a black-box environment.
The Reno presentation creates an immersive atmosphere, using a minimalist palette of narrative design elements that complement the displayed artwork. The backdrop features text fragments from the Grass poem, and hand-drawn pencil typographic interventions are artistic yet surprisingly economical.
Elko showcases the work of contemporary saddlers, tack makers, poets, and artists, highlighting the connection between artistry and a sense of place. The western saddles, bits, and equipment are presented like haute couture against a poetic interpretation of the western plains sky. This show challenges the visual stereotypes of cowboy culture and offers a new experience for even the most passionate fans.
Scope: Exhibition design and visual identity
Collab: Curators: Ann Wolfe (Reno), Meg Glaser (Elko) | Graphics: Carolina Trigo | Video: Jerry Dugan
Award: American Association of Museums, MUSE 2010