
David R. Harper
Aquarius from the Zodiac Series, 2018
Resin, rubber coating, steel, plaster, India ink, and fireball pearls
36 x 11 x 24 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Kohler Foundation, Inc.
Photography: Rich Maciejewski
David R. Harper: Zodiac
October 12, 2022 – February 11, 2023
at Racine Art Museum
The word zodiac is used to describe an astrological system or, perhaps more often in popular context, the twelve regions that make up the system and that are identified as “signs.” These signs, associated with different animals or symbols, are also linked to personality traits and the specific day someone was born.
David R. Harper: Zodiac features a series of sculptural works based on the signs of the zodiac. Harper uses imagery and metaphor to encourage people to think about how an object’s meaning can change based on who is interacting with it. Further, he hopes viewers will reflect on their own selves, in his words: “to see themselves, based on their zodiac characteristics, in some way in the work.”
This exhibition at RAM marks the first time the Zodiac series has been shown together. Originally commissioned by the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, the twelve works/installations were shown spread throughout their galleries and in relation to pieces in their permanent collection. Per direction of the artist, RAM is able to show the work as a whole or broken down into various groups or individual works.
More About the Exhibition
David R. Harper: Zodiac
October 12, 2022 – February 11, 2023
at Racine Art Museum

David R. Harper
Aquarius from the Zodiac Series, 2018
Resin, rubber coating, steel, plaster, India ink, and fireball pearls
36 x 11 x 24 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Kohler Foundation, Inc.
Photography: Rich Maciejewski
The word zodiac is used to describe an astrological system or, perhaps more often in popular context, the twelve regions that make up the system and that are identified as “signs.” These signs, associated with different animals or symbols, are also linked to personality traits and the specific day someone was born.
David R. Harper: Zodiac features a series of sculptural works based on the signs of the zodiac. Harper uses imagery and metaphor to encourage people to think about how an object’s meaning can change based on who is interacting with it. Further, he hopes viewers will reflect on their own selves, in his words: “to see themselves, based on their zodiac characteristics, in some way in the work.”
This exhibition at RAM marks the first time the Zodiac series has been shown together. Originally commissioned by the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, the twelve works/installations were shown spread throughout their galleries and in relation to pieces in their permanent collection. Per direction of the artist, RAM is able to show the work as a whole or broken down into various groups or individual works.
More About the Exhibition
Sample of Work in the Exhibition
Click/tap an image for more information
Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:
Platinum Sponsors
The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
David Charak
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Ron and Judith Isaacs
Nicholas and Nancy Kurten
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Sponsors
City of Racine’s Grow Racine Grant
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Tom and Irene Creecy
Richard and Patricia Ehlert
Herzfeld Foundation
Reliance Controls
Ruth Foundation for the Arts
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Wisconsin Arts Board
Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Art Bridges
Baird
A.C. Buhler Family
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Jim Harris
Sharon and Tom Harty
Lise Iwon
J. Jeffers & Co.
Johnson Financial Group
Dorothy MacVicar
Jan Serr and John Shannon
Bronze Sponsors
Ellen and Joseph Albrecht
Andis Foundation
Susan Boland
Virginia Buhler
Butcher & Barrel/Amos Los Tacos
Educators Credit Union
Express Employment Professionals
Tony and Andrea Hauser
Bill and Debbie Keland
Susan Manalli
Jean and Alex Mandli, Jr.
The Prairie School
Cathy Stanghellin
Georgiana Treivush
Twin Disc, Inc.