Artwork copyright Robert Calvo. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Lessons, 1996

Robert Calvo
American (born 1949, died 2015)

Location: Zieger Elementary, Puyallup

About the Artwork

Lessons is a watercolor painting by artist Robert Calvo. Organized in a grid, the composition features symbols for everyday objects and concepts. It is part of his body of work using diagrams to study the relationship between chaos and order. Created in 1996, this piece anticipates and speaks to today's use of digital "emoji" to express ideas.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Puyallup School District.

About the Artist

Portland, Oregon-based artist Robert Calvo (1949-2015) created large-scale sculptural and architectural installations for public spaces. Many of his artworks reference maps and cartography, a lifelong interest. He studied at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and at the University of Texas, Austin. He graduated from the University of South Florida with honors.