Better Days

A black and white print of a woman balancing precariously atop a horse, which is balancing precariously atop a tightrope in front of an audience.
Francisco de Goya, Spain (1746-1828), Una Reina del Circo [A Queen of the Circus] or Disparate Puntual [Precarious Folly], c. 1816-1824, from the series “Los Disparates [The Follies±Õâ€, aquatint and etching on paper, 11 x 16 inches. Gift of Anna C. Hoyt, 57.169. Photo by Wes Magyar, © CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Boulder.
Many colorful plastic figurines of people standing in a colorful room with disco balls.

Laurie Simmons, United States b. 1945, Party Picture, 1985, chromogenic color print on paper, 10 7/8 × 13 7/8 inches. Gift of Polly and Mark Addison to the Polly and Mark Addison Collection, 2004.20. Photo by Jeff Wells, © Laurie Simmons.

Many sketches of abstract, figural statues drawn as though resting in individual compartments of a wall.

Henry Moore, Great Britain (1898-1986), Reclining Figures: Ideas for Stone Sculptures, 1944, graphite pencil, wax crayon, chalk, wash, gouache, pen and ink on paper, 16 x 22 3/8 inches. Purchase with the Carnegie Fund, 55.48. Photo by Jeff Wells, © Henry Moore Foundation.

A print of a blue waterfall in a red landscape.

Hollis Sigler, United States (1948-2001), From Me, All Things Proceed and to Me, They Must Return, 1991, color lithograph on paper, 36 x 67 inches. Purchased as part of The Sharkive, with funds from Kemper Family Foundations, UMB Bank; anonymous; Polly and Mark Addison; Karen and Don Ringsby; College of Arts and Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder; Wayne and Nona Yakes and contributions from over 200 donors, S2019.663.Ìý © Hollis Sigler / Shark's Ink.Ìý

On view August 20–October 26, 2024

Reopening February 2025

What can art offer in difficult times? In this exhibition, artists respond to historical moments when uncertainty prevails and social connections fray. In many artworks on view, artists imagine a better world, encouraging viewers to find silver linings. Others meeting challenging times with challenging content. Better Days is organized around the following themes, which invite multiple, intersecting interpretations: gather, recall, repair, and witness.

This exhibition and programming is generously supported by CU Boulder Student Arts and Cultural Enrichment fees and CU Art Museum members.

Join us for the opening celebration of Better Days on Thursday, September 12th from 4-6pm. Free and all are welcome!