Stanley Museum of Art's "In a Time of Witness" is an interactive guide through its many exhibits
Is it simply a Jackson Pollock mural, or does it predict a future without definition or borders where humanity is at its best?
Or is it something completely different?
“In a Time of Witness,” a book published by the University of Iowa's Stanley Museum of Art, puts a unique spin on how consumers interpret art, highlighting the facility's permanent collection by partnering with more than 30 award-winning authors.
In 2008, during a particularly rainy spring, the University of Iowa Museum of Art was flooded and the damage was severe. A new museum opened last fall, unveiling a new era of art. The release of “In a Time of Witness” hopes to build off community excitement, gathering alumni and current students to celebrate the future.
The book dives into the meaning of several of the museum's offerings, hoping to guide visitors through an interactive experience they won't soon forget.
A university anchored by art
The newly reopened Stanley Museum of Art strives to highlight the University of Iowa's rich history with art.
An artistic "institutional reckoning" came to a head in 2020, when Derek Nnuro, curator of special projects at Stanley, and Art Director Lauren Lessing, noticed a shift in consumption.
They wanted to re-introduce art to the masses, inspiring the creation of “In a Time of Witness.”
The museum knew collaborating with the University of Iowa's Writers’ Workshop was the best way to demonstrate the institution's impact. “In a Time of Witness” allowed creative writers to share their interpretations of the museum's art. Rather than tapping the knowledge of art historians, the publication leans on literary artists to creatively describe the museum's work.
Released a year after the Stanley reopened after being closed for 14 years, 'In a Time of Witness" signifies a new era for the museum. The book strives to show its readers why the institution is so important to Iowa City.
“The Stanley is not the same museum we were when we closed,” Lessing said. “Ideally, we would not have had to wait 14 years to reopen a museum, but the timing was very good. Because we could build on the energy of all the changes happening in museums and our culture.”
More: Iowa regents to seek smaller funding boost for state's universities in 2025
An interactive museum guide
“In a Time of Witness” is not simply a book; it allows guests to follow along inside the museum, transporting them to new worlds. Various works are accompanied by author interpretations, collaborating with its literary programs, such as the International Writing Program, the Literary Translation Program, and other University of Iowa programs.
The school's diversity inspired the museum to seek as many voices as possible.
“We have been committed to this work long before that, but we found ourselves in a position where not only have you been committed to this work, but we are blessed,” Nnuro said. “Because we are part of this institution, we have access to all kinds of voices who can help us do this work and do it well.”
The museum aims to highlight diversity through innovative avenues, expanding beyond the museum itself. “In a Time of Witness” will be referenced in university and K-12 classrooms, ushering in a new wave of young artists. The book's stories and poems illuminate art from many periods while writers respond to today's art and consider what is to come.
The museum hopes to capitalize on art as an evolving entity, building on the excitement of the new facility, which opened in the fall of 2022. They want to share their various galleries and exhibits with everyone.
“We are new in the sense that we have a new building, but we are new, which allows us to be new in terms of our vision as well,” Nnuro said. “Many cultural institutions are thinking about making art a lot more accessible to the masses. How do we tear down these walls that have been built that keep people out.”
More: Music Column: Spaces to sing and play, the Long Fellow Front Porch Music Festival is Sunday
"In a Time of Witness," edited by Nnuro, is a working example of how art can sometimes struggle to include all walks of life and how it can be more appealing. The book hones in on the University of Iowa's long history of molding artists and helping them share their work with the world.
“The University of Iowa is a great university for the arts and is a great place to start these changes. We’re creating models for other museums to follow,” Lessing said. “We can experiment, we can take risks. This was a risk.”
Art Museum release parties
The Stanley Museum of Art is hosting a pair of events to celebrate the release of "In a Time of Witness," encouraging guests to explore the gallery and immerse themselves in a series of programs.
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 1-4 p.m.
Celebrated contributors of “In a Time of Witness” read their poems, short stories, and essays surrounded by the artworks that inspired their writing. An exclusive author meet and greet and gallery walk with music and light refreshments will follow.
When: Sunday, Sept. 24, 1-2 p.m.
Jeff Martin, host of “Museum Confidential,” will lead a panel of guest speakers to explore the ideas that brought “In a Time of Witness” to life. The podcast will air on NPR in early October.
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2:30-4 p.m.
Part of a series of monthly writing workshops at the Stanley, this session will be hosted by special guest Efe Duyan, contributing author of “In a Time of Witness.”
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Stanley Museum of Art's new book highlights university's local impact
