Thomas Fairlie Agran
2021
Permanent Exhibits
Main Branch Interior
Thomas Fairlie Agran
Spring Curiosity
Acrylic on drywall
Location:
First Floor, inside Story Room
Born in Kentucky, raised in Ohio, and currently residing in Iowa City, Iowa, I am very interested in the Midwest -- for both its charms as well as its challenges. I am particularly dedicated to the Midwestern landscape, its total transformation through agriculture, and the political, social, and environmental consequences of that change. Some of my paintings also explore the complicated nexus of food, agriculture, nostalgia, and marketing.
I have taught painting and drawing at the university level since 2011, and worked for 3 years as the Director of Public Art for the Iowa City Downtown District. In addition to my studio work, I have designed, executed, managed, and mentored dozens of mural projects – from private commissions to large municipal scale work in historically sensitive areas to community engaged and participatory mural and public art projects. In addition to my studio practice, mural work, and teaching, I also work as a consultant for murals and other public art projects and programs.