Duncan's River, 1988

Dennis Cunningham
(American, born 1949, died 2021)

Location: Pleasant Glade Elementary, Lacey

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Duncan's River is a print created by artist Dennis Cunningham. He created the composition by cutting the negative space out of a linoleum block. He then layered ink onto the areas of linoleum that remained and transferred the image to paper. It is part of a body of prints created by the artist to celebrate fishing, and fish as a symbol of nature. In these prints, he often layers inserted images to support the artwork's story and concept. He states, "My use of multiple images is an attempt to visually describe the character of real experience. Like memories, the images are layered and juxtaposed. Together they give a more complete impression of experience than a single image can provide."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with North Thurston Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Oregon artist Dennis Cunningham (1949-2021) created graphic relief prints and paintings with elaborate and witty visual narratives. His chosen medium was linoleum prints in black ink on white paper. He often focused on landscapes of lakes and streams, with a lone figure engaging in his favorite activity: fishing. His artworks explore personal identity, a sense of place, and environmental concerns.

Born in Medford, Oregon, Cunningham received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Museum Art School (now Pacific Northwest College of Art) in Portland, Oregon in 1975. He was one of the founding members of Blackfish Gallery in Portland. He taught printmaking at Pacific Northwest College of Art and Marylhurst University (both in Oregon).

ARTWORK DETAILS
MediumLinoleum block print
Dimensions17 1/4 in x 17 1/4 in (sheet)
ID NumberWSAC1991.125.000
Acquisition MethodDirect purchase
Artist LocationOregon, United States
Location Information
AgencyNorth Thurston Public Schools
Artwork LocationPleasant Glade Elementary
Library
WA CountyThurston
PlacementInterior
Site TypePublic School
Address1920 Abernethy RD NE
Lacey, WA 98516
Geo. Coordinates47.062282, -122.825370
Before VisitingSome artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access.
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