Elisabeth Kirsch

Elisabeth Kirsch

Elisabeth Kirsch is an art historian, curator and writer who has curated over 100 exhibitions of contemporary art, American Indian art and photography, locally and across the country. She writes frequently for national and local arts publications.

“The Vortex Trinity,” Todd Weiner Gallery

“The Vortex Trinity,” Todd Weiner Gallery

Rarely does a group exhibition showcase an individual artist’s work to advantage. “The vortex trinity” is an exception. By installing new work by Hugh Merrill, Miguel Rivera and Jim Sajovic in one room, curator and gallery owner Todd Weiner highlights certain aesthetic themes these artists share, as well as underscoring their different sensibilities. A juicy […]

“Unapologetic: Hyeyoung Shin,” The Studios Inc

“Unapologetic: Hyeyoung Shin,” The Studios Inc

In “Unapologetic,” Hyeyoung Shin suspends nine, life-size, nude self-portraits, drawn with graphite on 16-foot-long Mylar sheets, from a 25-foot ceiling. Clustered in one corner of The Studios Inc’s gallery space and lit from behind by slivers of LED tubes, the drawings hang like glowing sheets of skin. The faces are mostly obscured by ribbons of […]

Arts News: Kemper Scores a Coup with Rashid Johnson Exhibit

Arts News: Kemper Scores a Coup with Rashid Johnson Exhibit

Rashid Johnson is one of the most sought-after artists of his generation. In 2013 “Flash Art” magazine christened him a “post-black flower child” whose work coaxes viewers to come to grips with “complex historical reckoning.” “Hail We Now Sing Joy,” an exhibit of Johnson’s work now at the Kemper Museum, stands to be one of […]

A Knockout Punch to Racial Stereotypes

A Knockout Punch to Racial Stereotypes

Roger Shimomura battles racism with wit and humor in a compelling exhibit at the Belger Arts Center. Roger Shimomura’s art has never seemed more timely. In the wake of a vitriolic election season, with its red hot issues of populism, anti-immigration and racial bias, the veteran artist’s unique ability to pictorially blend wit and humor […]

“Full Circle: New Works by Jason Pollen,” MLB Designs

“Full Circle: New Works by Jason Pollen,” MLB Designs

There are over 100 textiles in “Full Circle: New Works by Jason Pollen,” an exhibit 18 months in the making. The 75-year-old artist, who was chair of the Kansas City Art Institute fiber department from 1997-2010, has never been more prolific and his art has never looked better. “Full Circle” is not just visually splendid; […]