American Express

This framed artwork features two young wrestlers crouched in a ready position on a wrestling mat, captured in a moment of camaraderie and focus. They are dressed in classic singlets, one accented with green trim and the other with white, evoking a vintage, mid-20th-century aesthetic. The wrestlers are athletic and confident, with expressions that blend determination and a sense of partnership. The background is simple, drawing attention to the wrestlers and their poised stances.

The artwork is influenced by Grant Wood's style, characterized by clean, precise lines and a warm, earthy color palette. The image exhibits an idealized portrayal of Americana, celebrating themes of sportsmanship and small-town values. The soft textures and nostalgic tone evoke a sense of Midwestern pride, reflecting the influence of Wood's Regionalist movement. This piece reimagines the timeless simplicity of rural American life, blending realism with an artistic sensibility that emphasizes symmetry and detail. The scene captures athleticism and the cultural essence of a bygone era.

This case study series examines the life and work of Midwestern artist Grant Wood. Known for his role in the Regionalist art movement, Wood’s paintings capture the spirit of rural American life with a distinct style inspired by Gothic and Renaissance art. His most iconic works, like American Gothic, reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a flat, decorative approach, showcasing earthy, muted colors—greens, browns, and blues—that echo the landscapes and life of the Midwest. These colors, punctuated occasionally with bright reds or yellows, create a grounded yet nostalgic atmosphere, resonating with the enduring American spirit.

This study is also a tribute to Wood as a queer artist—a truth that he may have kept concealed due to the social and cultural norms of his time. While the term gay didn’t gain mainstream use until the 1960s, queer has since become an inclusive, positive label within the LGBTQ+ community. It embraces a spectrum of identities that defy traditional definitions of sexuality and gender, reflecting the diversity and resilience of those who navigate life outside conventional norms. Reclaiming the term allows us to acknowledge the full breadth of Wood’s identity as part of his legacy.

In exploring Wood’s work, this series imagines what his art might have looked like if he had the freedom to express his authentic self openly, without societal restrictions. It also raises questions about the impact of cultural bias on art preservation—wondering if some pieces that might have reflected same-sex relationships were perhaps destroyed or never created due to the fear of judgment. These case studies honor Grant Wood’s authenticity, celebrating his contributions as a trailblazer in American art and recognizing the need for broader representation in galleries and museums today.

Please note: Slight size variations of +/- 1/8" (3.2mm) may occur due to the production process.