1996: 50 Works for 50 Years

James Eisentrager

"Zuider #20"

James Eisentrager (1929 – 2002) received his B.A. in 1951 from Augustana College (now Augustana University) in Sioux Falls and his M.F.A. from the University of Iowa in 1961. He was a professor of art at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln from 1961 until his retirement in 1996. Eisentrager painted representationally until 1968 and then his works became more geometric and mathematical through a focus on geometric principles and theories of root rectangles. He used color to striking effect at times and described himself as a “structuralist,†identifying with the anti-expressionist tradition of geometric abstraction. “My work is about structure, composition, proportion, balance and equilibrium. These are not emotions, but they interest me.â€

In 1996 the artist gifted three of his paintings to the museum, underlining the ties he maintained to South Dakota.

James Eisentrager, "Zuider #50" painting
James Eisentrager
"Zuider #20"
acrylic on canvas, 1980
South Dakota Art Museum Collection, 1996.05.3.
Gift of the Artist.
© South Dakota Art Museum

South Dakota Art Museum makes no representation that it is the owner of any copyright in the works of art in its collection. It is the user’s responsibility to obtain necessary permissions and pay required fees for the use of copyrighted material. Users are held fully responsible for any infringement of copyright.

Photo of South Dakota Art Museum
South Dakota Art Museum
Physical Address
1036 Medary Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
South Dakota Art Museum, Box 2250
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays January-March and all State Holidays

Museum Parking: Just west of the museum on Harvey Dunn Street (926 Harvey Dunn St. on GPS). Check in at the front desk for a parking pass.
Follow Us