The UAB Abroms-Engel Institute of Visual Arts will present its first review of Alabama to the legendary artist Thornton Dial Sr. from September 9-Dec. 10.
Thornton Dial Sr. in McCalla, Alabama, studio. 1997. Photographer Jerry Siegel. Erry ️Jerry Siegel The first complete exploration and the biggest show in Alabama to date by the famous artist Thornton Dial Sr. will be presented by the University of Alabama at Birmingham beginning September 9th. 10.
Dial, who was born in 1928 in Emelle, Alabama, and died in 2016, in McCalla, Alabama, was an oral artist who pioneered the use of discarded objects and acquired objects to create artistic and dense collections. His topics range from his family and daily life to the civil rights movement and other history. Although he received little formal education, Dial was a skilled mechanic in machinery and metal.
The UAB exhibition “I, Too, Am Alabama,” presented by the Abroms-Engel Institute of Visual Arts, was produced by Paul Barrett and organized by AEIVA’s Tina Ruggieri. It will feature a number of works by Dial that have never been presented or previously published, as well as a 360-degree view of his studio and documentary footage of the artist creating one of his signature images. The exhibition coincides with Dial’s 94th anniversary, September 10, 2022. The exhibition is partially supported by a grant from the National Arts Mission.
The exhibition would not have been possible without the help of the Dial family and presents loans from the Thornton Dial Estate, the Arnett Collection, the Birmingham Art Museum, the Montgomery Art Museum, and important private collections both in the South and across the United States. AEIVA will publish a fully illustrated book featuring new and entrusted articles and contributions from scholars, artists, collectors, and friends and family of Dial
The show has been going on for more than 10 years, Barrett said.
“On November 12, 2010, an acquaintance brought me to meet the Thornton Dial in Bessemer studios, Alabama, for the first time,” Barrett said. “After nearly a decade of work, and two years of COVID delays, the first review of Dial’s entire career will open very close to where Mr. Dial is. lived and worked for decades. “
“How Things Work: A Parade of Life,” 1992, Thornton Dial Sr. enamel, plastic toys, wood, rope and industrial enclosures with wooden awning. 65 by 88.5 by 8 inches. Collection by Doug McCraw. Photo by Jerry Siegel. ️ 222022 Estate of Thornton Dial / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Along with the great AEIVA exhibition, two accompanying exhibitions present the most complete test of Dial’s work ever presented in Alabama. “Everyone Can Move Mountain” by Maus Contemporary will feature works commissioned by artists to write the AEIVA handbook, and “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial” at the University of Samford Gallery will focus on extraordinary works of Dial of paper.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work with passionate partners to bring these performances to Mr. Dial’s hometown – and to share this work with his friends and family,” Barrett said.
John Fields, The Lydia Cheney and Jim Sokol Endowed AEIVA Director, said the desire for the Thornton Dial show has been on his mind since the early days of AEIVA.
“The Thornton Dial was one of the most important artists Alabama has ever produced, but it is often very easy to take possession of our property,” Fields said. “We really wanted to emphasize Mr. Dial’s importance through the scope and ambition of this show. The 70’s exhibitions and AEIVA exhibitions since 2014, I can count on one hand how many times we have dedicated all the show venues to one artist. “
To present the first review of the scope of Dial’s work in Alabama is a huge responsibility that the AEIVA will not facilitate.
“First of all, it was important to me personally that the number 1 priority of this show was to serve as a suitable home for Mr. Dial,” Fields said. “We have worked closely with Mr. Dial’s family every step of the way and we are grateful for the level of trust they have given us.”
AEIVA, located at 1221 10th Ave. South, Birmingham, is open from 5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free. Visit aeiva.uab.edu or call 205-975-6436 for information.
