New Mexico Art Tells its History

Harvest - Adams

Harvest, n.d.
Kenneth Miller Adams (American, 1897 - 1966)
lithograph, 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm)
Bequest of Vivian Sloan Fiske, 1978
4359.23G

Kenneth Miller Adams, born in Topeka, Kansas, studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York, and later spent several months studying in France and Italy. In 1924 he moved to Taos to be with artists Andrew Dasburg and Walter Ufer. He was the last and youngest member of the Taos Society of Artists, and perhaps the most dedicated modernist of them all. In 1934 Adams worked under the Public Works of Art Project. He was strongly influenced by Cezanne’s Cubist principles and without roots in19th century classicism, was free to explore the contemporary methods of representation. He went on to influence the art scene of New Mexico for decades. After spending 12 years in Taos, Adams moved to Albuquerque in 1938 where he taught at the University of New Mexico until 1963.


Reflective Questions and Activities 

E Name everything you notice in this print, in both the foreground and background. What are the women doing? What don’t we see? Why did Adams choose to do this? What is the effect Adams achieved through simplifying all the forms in this print?  
E/S This print has no date, but we know that Adams lived from 1897-1966. Judging from the scene and what you know about New Mexico history, when might this be taking place? What evidence do you have to support your answer?  

 

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