Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Media Contact:
Casey Ihde | OSU Museum of Art Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2783 | casey.pankey@okstate.edu

Explore the career of Romanian American artist Saul Steinberg at the Oklahoma State
University Museum of Art’s exhibition “Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg.” 

On view from July 25 to Sept. 30, this exhibition showcases a selection of Steinberg’s
witty drawings and paintings.

Saul Steinberg, best known for his iconic illustrations in The New Yorker, left an indelible mark on the art world with his humorous and insightful depictions
of modern life. 

“His drawings combine humor, satire and social commentary, resulting in designs which
are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging,” curator Christina Elliott
said. 

However, Steinberg’s artistic journey was not without its challenges.

Born into a Russian Jewish family in Romania, Steinberg experienced the weight of
antisemitism during the 1920s. Seeking refuge from the growing hostility, he moved
to Milan in 1933. There he pursued architecture studies and worked as an illustrator
for a local Italian newspaper. His time at the newspaper ended quickly due to the
rise of antisemitic ideologies under Benito Mussolini’s regime. 

Determined, Steinberg sent his illustrations to periodicals in the United States while
awaiting his visa approval. By the time he arrived in New York City in 1942, his drawings
were already a regular feature in The New Yorker. In 1943, Steinberg joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and became a U.S. citizen.

Throughout his career, Steinberg continued his collaboration with The New Yorker. He exhibited his works in over 80 solo shows in galleries and museums across the
United States, Europe and South America. 

“Steinberg’s lines depict forms that look effortless but show clever deliberation,”
Elliott said. “He’s playful but tactical, which allows him to explore serious themes
with humor and visual intrigue.”        

Selections for this exhibition were pulled from a generous gift of Steinberg’s artwork
given by the Saul Steinberg Foundation to the museum in 2021. The donation comprises
drawings, textiles, wallpaper samples, paintings and prints.

The exhibition invites viewers to delve into Steinberg’s imaginative world where lines
transform into narratives. “Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg” offers visitors
an in-depth exploration of Steinberg’s career, artistic talents and sense of humor.
Learn more at http://museum.okstate.edu/art/line-of-thought.html.