Closed Summer 2024

Beginning May 27, we will be closed as part of Oberlin College’s Sustainable Infrastructure Program.

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Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College
87 North Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
440.775.8665

Hours

Tuesday — Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Sunday Closed

Exhibitions & Events

The Allen presents changing exhibitions along with engaging guest speakers and public programs.

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Art at the AMAM

The Allen's collection is particularly strong in 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, Japanese prints, early modern art, African art, and more.

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Fighting with Fruit

Resisting Slavery and Racism in Still-Life Painting

Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Fighting with Fruit

Resisting Slavery and Racism in Still-Life Painting

Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Shana Klein, assistant professor of art history at Kent State University, presents a talk titled “Fighting with Fruit: Resisting Slavery and Racism in Still-Life Painting.” The program relates to the installation How can Museum Labels be Antiracist?, which was organized by Assistant Curator of European and American Art Alexandra Letvin.

Although still-life paintings brimming with fruit presented an optimistic portrait of the nation after the American Civil War, pictures of food were not always so pleasant or neutral. Klein's talk investigates food in American art before and after the Civil War to understand how artists—specifically African American artists—used depictions of food to combat racism and resist the institution of slavery. She will discuss works from the Allen's collection including Still Life with Fruit by Severin Roesen and Still Life by Jan Davidsz de Heem.

Following the presentation, Letvin will moderate an audience Q&A.

Please register in advance for this free webinar.

Severin Roesen (American, born in Germany, 1816–1872), Still Life with Fruit, ca. 1865–70, oil on canvas. Peter and Barbara Smith Goodman (OC 1949) Fund for American Art, 2013.3.

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