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

Exhibition Notes (PDF)

Press Room

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

Exhibition Notes (PDF)

Press Room

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
Ron and Judith Isaacs
Nicholas and Nancy Kurten
Racine Community Foundation logo
Barbara Waldman
Windgate Foundation

Diamond Sponsors

City of Racine’s Grow Racine Grant
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation

Gold Sponsors

Anonymous
Tom and Irene Creecy
Richard and Patricia Ehlert
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls Community Fund
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.

Wisconsin Arts Board 50th Anniversary Logo

Silver Sponsors

Anonymous
Baird
Beta Diagnostic Labs
A.C. Buhler Family
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Jim Harris
Sharon and Tom Harty
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Dorothy MacVicar
Jan Serr and John Shannon

Bronze Sponsors

Ellen and Joseph Albrecht
Susan Boland
Dave’s Wine Garage
Educators Credit Union
Express Employment Professionals
Bill and Debbie Keland
Susan Manalli
Jean and Alex Mandli, Jr.
Norbell Foundation
Cathy Stanghellini
Twin Disc

Media Sponsor

Radio Milwaukee logo

Love Art?  You’ll Love RAM!

The mission of the Racine Art Museum is to exhibit, collect, preserve, and educate in the contemporary visual arts. Stay up-to-date about special events as well as support the mission of the largest contemporary craft collection in America: