Harold Benton (American, 1928–2009). Oil on canvas, 1964.
A moody landscape painted during the height of the American Abstract Expressionist movement. Benton used sweeping blue and black strokes to capture the movement of water undermoonlight. The painting anchors the museum’s modernist holdings.
Sharon Beygar (American, 1960-Present). Oil on canvas, 1990.
“Singing Dogs” depicts a small chorus of canines mid-howl, their muzzles tilted skyward as if harmonizing with something only they can hear. Painted with loose, expressive strokes, the scene blurs whimsy and sincerity, capturing a moment where animal instinct feels almost musical.
Alicia Martínez (Mexican-American, b. 1955). Mixed media collage, 1987.
Martínez layers photographs, newspapers, and acrylic paint to create a fragmented view of urban life in the late 20th century. Her work reflects themes of migration, adaptation, and cultural blending in modern cities.
Hand-carved clay, c. 800 CE. Origin: Mesoamerica
This earthenware vessel, decorated with geometric patterns, was used in ceremonial rituals. It reflects the intricate artistry of pre-Columbian cultures and stands as a testament to the enduring role of art in spiritual life.
Jean-Paul Fournier (French, b. 1969). Bronze, 2005.
Commissioned specifically for the Aurora Art Museum’s opening of its downtown wing, this abstract bronze sculpture greets visitors at the main entrance plaza. Its upward-sweeping form symbolizes growth, renewal, and the city’s evolving cultural identity.
Mina Okada (Japanese, b. 1972). Textile installation, 2010.
Woven from indigo-dyed fabric strips, this large-scale hanging piece explores the absence of sound and communication. The shifting folds of fabric create shadow patterns that change with the gallery’s lighting, echoing the museum’s thematic interest in perception.
Clara Weiss (German, 1886–1932). Oil on canvas, 1912.
A rare example of early 20th-century female portraiture, Weiss’s self-portrait combines Expressionist brushwork with a stark, direct gaze. The work provides insight into women’s growing presence in the European avant-garde.
Ravi Kapoor (Indian, b. 1984). Video projection with sound, 2018.
An immersive new media installation that reimagines traditional landscape painting through generative algorithms. Kapoor’s piece continuously evolves, ensuring no two viewings are exactly alike.