2019 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art
Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018, by R. J. Kern, archival pigment print, 2019
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
When the Minnesota State Fair contacted me about creating the commemorative art, I thought about the unique experience of how animals are chosen as “Supreme Champions” – the best of the best – and how this tradition honors the past and inspires the present. As the first photographer commissioned by the Minnesota State Fair, I wanted to create a portrait that pays homage to this legacy, highlights the spirit of competition, and documents champion livestock at a decisive moment in time and place at one of the most competitive and popular animal contests in the world.
For this photograph, Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018, I created portraits of the top male and female open-class exhibition winners in the goat, swine, poultry, sheep, llama, rabbit, beef cattle, draft horse and stock dog categories. Moments after being awarded the title “Supreme Champion” in 2018, the animals were escorted to my photography studio on the fairgrounds (with safety a top priority, of course). After the 12 days of fun, I composited the portraits together to create the final print. Hidden in the artwork is a little surprise inspired by my children, ages 2 and 3, who love to “horse around.”
Drawing inspiration from the earliest animal contests that coincided with the first major exhibition of photography, at the 1851 World’s Fair in London, this photograph celebrates the hard work, pride and passion of animal competitors at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
R. J. Kern
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 6, 2019
PRICING
The artwork is available in two sizes. Click here for printable price sheet >>
Title: Minnesota State Fair Supreme Champion Pairings from 2018 photographic print
Artist: R. J. Kern
Medium: Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, 308 gsm
Date: 2019
All images are available as archival limited editions. Each print is mounted on Dibond featuring signature label on verso and includes a certificate of authenticity. Printed under the direct supervision of the artist on Hahnemühle fine-art paper with a matte finish. The archival inkjet prints ship mounted on Dibond, a rigid aluminum composite sheet that meets archival standards. Prices do not include framing. AP priced upon request. Production time is approximately 3 weeks.
MEDIUM
Edition of 7 + 1 AP
Image size (V x H): 24 x 56 inches
Sheet size (V x H): 28 x 60 inches
Print 1 Commemorative Artwork - SOLD
Print 2 priced at $4000 - SOLD
Print 3 priced at $4500 - SOLD
Print 4 priced at $5000 - SOLD
Print 5 priced at $5500
Print 6 priced at $6000
Print 7 priced at $6500
LARGE
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
Image size (V x H): 36 x 86 inches
Sheet size (V x H): 40 x 90 inches
Print 1 priced at $6000 - SOLD
Print 2 priced at $7500
Print 3 priced at $10,000
Comparison for framed print sizes, 40 x 90 inches (top), 28 x 60 inches (bottom).
IMAGE DETAILS
Detail #1. Supreme Champion Geese and Herding Dogs (with a little ‘hidden’ surprise).
Detail #2. Supreme Champion Steer, “Making Bank”
Detail #3. Supreme Champion Rabbits
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