Hidari-uma: Riding the horse backwards, embracing the unknown

On view March 5 - April 18 (NCC galleries open 10 am - 5 pm M-F)

Mike Norman’s work is allegorical, alchemic, poetic, and deeply influenced by his ceramic roots in “Minge-sota.” Norman grew up in Duluth near the shore of Lake Superior with his artist parents about whom the neighbors would whisper, “they are Bohemians.” He and his sister spent their childhood reading, painting, building forts, and creating imagined adventures in the wilderness. At his grandparents’ farm, he developed a deep love of animals and a particular affinity for the big black and brown floppy-eared dog named Rip. You can see Rip and other animals Norman has loved, over and over again in the illustrations on his pots and the figures in his sculpture. These animals have become part of his lexicon, his personal taxonomy of stand-ins for nostalgic adventure and poetic iconography. This retrospective of Norman’s work will celebrate his career of over 50 years and will feature new sculpture made specifically for the exhibition.

Artist Demonstration: Mike Norman
April 10, 12 - 2 pm CT (virtual event)
Join Mike Norman on his 82nd birthday as he shares a demonstration live from his studio, including a casual conversation about his life and the development of his body of work. Register for your free spot: https://www.nccshop.org/product/artist-demonstration-mike-norman-21spxv5/9031


This exhibition will show simultaneously with the Secret Life of Objects exhibition.