POCATELLO — A large mural depicting nude human beings exploring a beach surrounded by rock formations that was originally placed above the inside entrance to Reed Gym on the Idaho State University campus in 1963 may not remain there much longer.
ISU Art Department chair Dr. Tony Martin said he has heard rumblings that the Association of Students at ISU, or ASISU, may be looking to take the mural down.
“There are some art students who are trying to form a petition to voice their opinion that it should stay there,” Martin said.
“It was commissioned, and the artist intended to put it there,” Martin said.
That artist was former ISU art professor John B. Davis, and the Davis Gallery in the Fine Arts Building bears his name. Davis served as chairman of the ISU Department of Art for 15 years and was commissioned to do the mural as a multi-project effort with then art professors Don Brown and Ray Obermayr.
Brown, who is now retired from ISU, remembers that time in the early 1960s well.
“The three of us were commissioned to do the work,” Brown said.
Obermayr did a large painting in the Pond Student Union Building and Brown did a glass tile mosaic inside the union. Brown went to work on the 10-foot-by-48-foot mural to be placed over the inside entrance to Reed Gym, according to Brown. The mural was done on canvas and then adhered to the wall.
When the work began, the art department at ISU had just three faculty members, and their department was housed in an old military barracks.
“John called them the lambing sheds,” Brown said.
The inspiration for Davis’ mural came from a historic knowledge of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and his youth growing up in American Falls, according to Brown. Davis’ father was an attorney who did pro bono work for the tribes.
“John was highly involved in the Idaho landscape,” Brown explained.
The mural in Reed Gym is meant to depict an ancient people exploring the water’s edge in Southeast Idaho.
“That’s one of the reasons they’re nude,” Brown said. “John was honoring their physical fitness. It depicted physically fit humans in their natural environment.”
Whatever the intent of the artist, when the mural went up in 1963 not everyone in the athletic department housed in Reed Gym was happy.
“Some of the people in the athletic department were convinced that people are born fully clothed, and they got upset,” Brown said.
In time, the mural gained acceptance. The only flap came about a decade ago when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a summer event on ISU’s campus, according to Brown.
They insisted the mural be covered while the event was taking place.
Brown said it was also curious that the mural received a name that Davis didn’t give it, “Culture.” He added that some members of ASISU nicknamed it the “pickle painting” because a portion of the mural shows a woman holding a green object in her hand.
“I hope they leave it up,” Brown said.
The retired art professor said Pocatello isn’t known for its great artistic appreciation of anything abstract. He said when he created some paintings for a Pocatello Art Walk event several years ago, a couple who had spent time in Israel thanked him for his abstract expressions.
“They told me, ‘It’s nice to see something in Pocatello other than moose and boots,’” Brown recalled.
A graduate student in anthropology at ISU agrees and said she wants the mural to remain at Reed Gym.
“It sounds like a few students were concerned about it (the nudity),” the female student said. “I don’t understand.” She didn’t want to reveal her name.
“It has absolutely nothing to do with the nudity,” said ASISU Arts and Letters Senator Ben Harker. Harker is also the host of KISU’s radio show, “ASISU Speaks.”
“It’s (the mural is) not going to be destroyed or anything,” Harker said. “We really need to get more input. Everything is in the preliminary stage.”
Harker said he understands that students may be concerned because of the way the Benny the Bengal statue in front of Reed Gym and the eroding “I” on Red Hill have been handled. Benny was removed and put in storage this summer. Plans to replace the aging “I” on the hill are still being investigated.
Harker said religious concerns have nothing to do with the fate of the Reed Gym mural.
“It’s more about wanting to promote ISU and women’s sports,” Harker said.
(23) comments
What proof do you offer that there is some conspiracy.
There was only discussion about MOVING the mural to thew FINE ARTS BUILDING.
Somehow because a few bigots that offer no proof only paranoid rhetoric say that nudity is an issue and that the mural will be taken down that is the narrative that continues.
Believe whatever you want whether is true or not
Over the years I have walked under and admired this mural countless times. Never once did I think it was out of place or improper. Folks that are worried about the nudity are small minded and don't understand art. They need a trip to Italy to see some of the most famous and priceless artworks ever done. No one standing in the gallery looking at the Statue of David by Michelangelo was worried about his nudeness.
I think this mural is a wonderful piece depicting the history of our region. If people think it's place in the Reed Gym is no longer appropriate, I disagree. But, if it is moved it should be someplace where more people will see and appreciate it. How about the Mini Dome, er excuse me "Holt Arena". Who ever is behind this needs to get over themselves.
Which ever senator may or may not have been quoting the Bible it was not Harker look elsewhere!
Your getting a little closer but not quite yet. The real argument here is to uncover the hidden motives for removing the mural.
First, once again, I never claimed Harker was the senator. I stated "a senator was heard quoting the bible for reasons to remove the mural.
Secondly, I did not say Harker was a mormon, I stated "Harker is full of it if he thinks he can down play the LDS influence of this situation"
Third, the article stated.The only flap came about a decade ago when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a summer event on ISU’s campus, AND They insisted the mural be covered while the event was taking place.
With your statement from yesterday "The religious group that wanted it down was evangelical" You put all these facts together and you will see your friend made a huge mistake by saying""Harker said religious concerns have nothing to do with the fate of the Reed Gym mural."
This whole situation is based on religious concerns. It were your own words which proved it.
Oh, and the religious group that wanted the mural covered during their function at Reed Gym was a decade ago! It was not last week or last year. So.... tell me exactly how this plays a part in today's discussion.
Johnny B you don't know what you're talking about Harker is not a Mormon and neither am I.
And you absolutely are a religious bigot.
Harker tells me that another senator brought this up and nudity was never part of the discussion until those opposed ASSUMED that's why the other senator suggested moving it.
Besides He says he will vote with the students in Arts and Letters the majority of whom want it left in place.
I respect your opinion but don't be a fool and spout lies.
You just do not know what Harker thinks.
If you knew the guy you would know he is NO prude!
He is the only guy with the guts to talk to the media.
Here is another quot from your friend, " Harker views that this painting above Read is somehow undignifying to ISU and women’s sports? "
you May want to warn your friend to watch out for the media because his LDS counterparts of the ASISU and the ISU administration will throw him under the bus as fast as they can.
Nudity and religion are not a factor Harker is correct!
Johnny B, you are a BIGOT.
Just because the reality of the situation does not fit you view don't make up a FABLE to make yourself feel better.
The religious group that wanted it down was evangelical NOT Mormon!
(By the way I know Harker don't try to trash him because you don't like Mormons)
Settle down there ISU Senior, don't make me call your bishop on you. If you read my comment correctly you would have realized I said "a senator was caught arguing, quoting the bible" . I'm sure there's not to many evangelical ASISU senators out there. That's funny you use the word FABLE since your religion is all made up nonsense from golden tablets in a hat. Good try son....
Hey, ISU Senior.....this is directly quoting you from your earlier comment.
"Nudity and religion are not a factor Harker is correct!"
"The religious group that wanted it down was evangelical NOT Mormon!"
You completely contradicted yourself and proved your friend wrong that religion is a factor. Once again, good try son.....
The point being of course that things like this do mess with people's self image, most famously "young girls with self esteem issues from models in magazines." I admit to having felt uncomfortable noting that the people in the painting were nude. It sounds like a standard art decision from the 60's/70's age of the hippies.
What exactly would they replace it with? Also, the mural according to the article represents an unscientific viewpoint.
"The mural in Reed Gym is meant to depict an ancient people exploring the water’s edge in Southeast Idaho."
If they were an ancient people of the America's why are they white? Now the painting is also racist.
If you read the article, you would understand why the artist painted it and what it represents. Wow, if your in college and feeling uncomfortable by seeing a painting of so called naked people, maybe its time to move back in with mommy and daddy. Before you write another comment, think about what your going to write so you don't embarrass yourself, again.
The only real negative part of this article came from the LDS church. God forbid mormon students see naked bodies without their magical underwear on.
As a past alumni I felt like it had it's place. More importantly I understand the content. While it does convey appropriately the history of the area. It is not in the right place. It should be moved to respect the commission. A gym is hardly the place for art unless it is of a sports nature. It screams we didn't know what to do with this area so we commissioned a mural. This is a trafficked area that many would love to convey a sense of pride (specifically students). Art should be with those who appreciate what is done. As an artist I believe this shoud be in a cultural center. The sheer amount of time it takes to do a mural of this size deserves respect in of itself.
Ultimately Move it. Museum of Natural History seems fitting. I can think of a dozen places it would be more appropriate.
Going to games at Reed should feel different then it does. Our venues need some help if we are trying to attract recruits and spectators.
Well said.
This article was very one sided. From what I know, the plan is to MOVE the mural to the fourth floor of the Fine Arts Building NOT to remove and get rid of the painting. Where was THAT in the article? I think it is the very respect that the current generation has for history and previous culture that allowed them to come up with the idea to move the painting rather then get rid of the painting or cover it up. As for tradition, how often do you see a student past or present visit the gym to take a picture in front of the mural or even of the mural? In its current location, it is misunderstood and underappreciated, most even feel that it doesn't represent or promote ISU. If it were moved, it would even allow for the creation of new traditions, perhaps a sign above the door that fans tap as they enter the gym, and at the very least something that promotes ISU like the I-S, or the Bengal. Any of the previous options would be more applicable to the area.
How many of those art students who wish for it to stay in Reed go and visit it daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly? The fact is, the students who are against moving it rarely, if ever, go to see it. If it were moved to the Fine Arts building, they would get a chance to see it every day. Not only that, but it would overlook the John B. Davis Art Gallery on the first floor which would show the painting and the artist a great amount of respect. What I don't understand is why anyone would object to moving it to a location where the work would be better appreciated. Art is moved all the time for art shows, museum to museum, etc. Why is the moving of this mural such a problem? Yes it was painted for Reed gym, but the story behind the mural will move with it regardless.
All this being said, It has been a piece of our ISU history, for the last 50 years and it will continue to be a part of ISU for years to come even if it is placed in the Fine Arts Building.
I feel like as a student of isu that the mural is out of place in the gym. I feel as if it deserves to be in a place where that kind of art will be more appreciated and with other great painting s made by isu students. I feel like there should be something where the mural is to promote our Bengal pride for when our opponents come so they can see it! I know that the mural can still be used and I think we should set it up in the fine arts building where students can be inspired! :)
I am all for preserving history and "artistic expression", but my opinion is that if you truly want this painting to remain in place to honor its meaning and the artist, then dress up the wall and area where it is displayed to show that you truly appreciate and honor the work. I hear people crying about keeping this thing in the Reed Gym lobby to honor its history and such, but the area it is in is a disgrace. Old, nasty drab couches, outdated, ugly flooring and general decor that says, we're not going to put any thought into this area. That is more of a travesty to the memory of Mr. Davis and his labor on this painting than the controversial subject matter of the piece. Put some pressure on whoever manages that building to dress it up and take some pride in what you're fighting to preserve. An old controversial painting in a stately, respectable setting would probably be less of an issue if the area weren't such as eye-sore. Also, if art students or anyone else is so upset about the painting being removed from Reed Gym, then why not show some initiative and lobby to have it moved to the Fine Arts building, just a short distance away, and in the very building where there is a gallery named after Mr.Davis, so that it is displayed in a place where artistic expression is appreciated and expected.
Just my 2-cents.
While working for the student newspaper, we had a lot of fun trying to guess what the green object was. I think we settled on kryptonite. While the LDS church wanted to cover the mural, the school refused to comply, and the event was held with the mural uncovered. While the mural needs to be preserved, you have to admit that it's dated and a little weird, concerns about nudity aside. Probably something more modern would be more impressive to potential students.
I agree fsmith. There is some need for concern for what would happen to the mural after Benny the Bengal and the "I". Seems like the same holds true of the football team.
So Harker views that this painting above Read is somehow undignifying to ISU and women’s sports? Its bean a part of ISU now for more that 50 years. If you don't like it, chose not to look at it.
"Harker said religious concerns have nothing to do with the fate of the Reed Gym mural."
The problem I have with this is the fact that a ASISU senator was overheard arguing with a student, the senator was quoting the bible and using religious tone for his argument to take down the mural. Harker is full of it if he thinks he can down play the LDS influence of this situation. The fact the mural could be moved because of the LDS Church, ASISU (LDS controlled) and other conservatives is wrong. Before we know it ISU will be changed to BYU-ISU......sick, just sick
It saddens me that the current generation has no respect for history, tradition, or previous culture. It seems to be all about them and now.....past be damned.
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