Gary Erbe: Magical World

Gary Erbe has been painting the theme of the American flag in his large-scale still-life compositions for over 50 years. For the American bicentennial in 1976, the artist commemorated the milestone in two monumental canvases and has continued exploring the American project in his captivating paintings ever since. Erbe uses the objects of our lives–baseball cards, movie posters, antique toys—to tell the American story, all rendered in stunning, realistic detail. This exhibition will showcase 50 works from the artist’s career as one of the most important realists of our time—but an artist whose work remains firmly rooted in the traditions of the great painters of history. Erbe has been celebrated for his significant contributions to still life and trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) painting, genre that can be traced to the 18th century in American painting. This exhibition at FWMoA is part of a national tour organized by the Butler Institute for American Art.

This exhibition is supported by the Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation.