The Need for Beauty

The Need for Beauty

Featured Image: Alexander Helwig Wyant (American, 1836–1892), Derbyshire Landscape, 1871, oil on canvas. Museum purchase with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Rietveld, the NCR Corporation, and Monsanto Research Corporation, 1985.6

Where do you go to find beauty? The founding of art museums like the DAI were often framed in terms of beauty, even as “temples to beauty.” The general assumption was that beauty is a criteria for what is in a museum and that encountering such things can make us better or contribute to our quality of life. But what exactly is beauty? Who gets to define it?

This exhibition explores concepts of beauty by drawing together artworks across a range of cultures, time periods and materials. In particular, the focus is on the perennial interest across cultures in beauty’s relation to nature and the human body. Together, they present beauty as something of a paradox. On one hand, it feels obvious, something we encounter and attribute to experiences in life everyday. But the more you try to describe it, circumscribe it, the more elusive it is, which is part of beauty’s fascination. The exhibition, then, is not and cannot be a definitive answer, as one does not exist. This is an invitation to ask questions and join the journey!

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Dayton Art Institute

The Need for Beauty is taking place at Dayton Art Institute, which is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton. Dayton Art Institute - Committed to enriching the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all. Visit us often to enjoy our diverse collections, world class exhibits and more.