Description
This catalogue was published in coordination with our Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home exhibition.
AN INTRODUCTION TO MAYNARD DIXON
Maynard Dixon was an important 20th-century American painter who is best known for his iconic depictions of the American West.
Originally from California, Dixon painted subjects in Arizona, New Mexico and eventually settled in Southern Utah. There he developed his signature style of unique compositions. These often featured low horizons and simplified, yet imposing clouds and rock formations in bold colors.
Dixon also focused on preserving the image of Native American peoples whom he believed were disappearing from the American West. While married to the famous photographer Dorothea Lange, Dixon also focused on social realist subjects. These depicted people struggling to make a living during the Great Depression.
The Museum of Art at Brigham Young University owns the largest collection of art by Maynard Dixon in the country. These paintings and drawings, spanning 30 years of Dixon’s career, form an important part of the museum’s holdings. Since the acquisition of these works, many scholars, artists, and other visitors have come to BYU to see the Dixon paintings in storage. (Excerpt from Escape to Reality: The Western World of Maynard Dixon)
ABOUT THE CATALOGUE
One of America’s most beloved western artists, Dixon has long been praised for his visionary portrayals of both America’s land and people. Lesser known is the poetry he wrote throughout his life, which often featured themes commonly found in his paintings. This catalogue celebrates the BYU Museum of Art’s unparalleled Dixon collection, and offers a fresh perspective by using his poetry to uncover the artist’s emotional attachment to the subjects he painted.
Be the first to get your copy! Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home is now available.
Plan your visit to see Dixon’s work in person and get directions to the Museum of Art.
