Yasuo Kuniyoshi, (1889–1953) American, born in Japan, I Like It Here, 1945, Oil on canvas, 16 1/2 x 12 inches, Bequest of Virginia Rike Haswell, 1977.73 [DAI Gallery 204]

Women were a favorite subject of Kuniyoshi. Here, a woman is interrupted from reading the newspaper and appears remote or even melancholy. This quality is found in many of the artist’s paintings from the 1940s. Rather than painting directly from life, Kuniyoshi’s custom was to paint from memory after making initial sketches. Restrictive immigration laws prevented Kuniyoshi from becoming an American citizen, but he was supportive of democracy and appalled at the rise of Japanese militarism. During World War II, he pledged his loyalty to America and made anti-Japanese propaganda posters.

Reason to consider: The library provides many valuable resources to new Americans and participates in the monthly U.S. citizenship ceremonies.

Lega People (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Bwami Association Hat, 20th century, Cloth, cowrie shells, buttons, bird beak, Gift of Mr. Marc Felix Leo in memory of Ara Bolling, 1995.27 [DAI Gallery 101]

Hats worn by men in the Bwami association during initiation ceremonies indicate the wearer’s rank. They are adorned with symbolic elements relating to an individual’s status. They also are used to teach new members Bwami philosophy. This hat would have been worn by a lutumbo iwa kindi (male member of the highest order).

Reason for selection: This hat is important to the initiation ceremonies of the Lega people and as a teaching tool. The library is an important part of everyday life to the many patrons, including new Americans from Africa who regularly use the Burkhardt Branch.

Gioacchino Assereto (1600-1639) Italian, Circe Mulling Wine, around 1630, Oil on canvas, 29¾ x 35 inches The Dayton Art Institute, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1965.117 [DAI Gallery 217]

The subject of this painting is taken from the rich, classical epic, The Odyssey, which recounts the journey of the Greek hero Odysseus and his men back from the Trojan War to their homeland in Ithaca. Near the end of their long sea voyage, Odysseus and his crew chanced to land on the island of Aeaea, ruled by the beautiful witch, Circe. As she had done with many an unfortunate sailor, Circe planned to change Odysseus and his men into swine by giving them a magic potion mixed in wine. Here, the enchantress is shown mulling the wine with a hot poker as she waves her left hand and recites an incantation.

Gioacchino Assereto, a Genoese painter, imbues this scene with a sense of impending drama. Any Baroque viewer familiar with the story of Odysseus would be able to imagine the misfortune about to befall the crew and Circe's own fate. The tale, by the way, ends happily: Circe falls hopelessly in love with the Greek hero who has been made impervious to her potion by an herb given him by the god Hermes.

Reason to consider: This 17th century oil painting depicts a scene from the Odyssey, one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, written around 800 B.C.E. The poem chronicles the many trials and adventures Odysseus must pass through on his long journey home from the Trojan war, including resisting the deadly seductions of witches! It is believed to be one of the oldest surviving works of literature still read by contemporary audiences. Libraries play a central role in making books accessible to all and you can check this book out at your library or online as an e-book or audiobook.

Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Japanese, Flying Pup King, 2000, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 44 inches, The Dayton Art Institute, Museum purchase by ex Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (1880-1980) American, Joy of the Waters, 1917, Cast bronze, 63 1/2 x 15 x 16 inches, The Dayton Art Institute, Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1919.1 [DAI Gallery 206]

Yoshitomo Nara, one of the most influential artists to emerge from Japan’s Pop Art movement during the 1990s, comments upon society’s social decline in this fanciful work. Drawing on popular Japanese comic books and animation for inspiration, Nara alters and simplifies themes commonly found within traditional Japanese narratives.

Reason for selection: The new Burkhardt Branch is located in the area adjacent to Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Nara’s work is a fanciful reference to airplanes and flying. As well as addressing cultural issues, the artist uses his imagination to combine familiar objects, seen here as an airplane, a puppy and a crown in new relationships to one another. Libraries offer many resources to help our imaginations soar!

Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (1880-1980) American, Joy of the Waters, 1917, Cast bronze, 63 1/2 x 15 x 16 inches, The Dayton Art Institute, Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1919.1 [DAI Gallery 206]

The museum’s first acquisition in 1919, Joy of the Waters was originally designed as a fountain. In this life-sized sculpture, Frishmuth evokes movement in the girls springing step, upraised arms and animated hair, creating a freeze-frame of a single moment of action. Frishmuth was one of several women who at the beginning of the twentieth century successfully pursued careers as sculptors, a field that had traditionally been considered a male occupation.

Reason for selection: This DAI collection favorite captures feelings of pleasure, delight and discovery – the same feelings that libraries aspire to evoke. It’s a great example of the potential of visual art to elevate our moods. The literary arts have that same power!

Alfredo Ramos Martínez, (1871–1946) Mexican, Vendedoras De Fruitas (Fruit Sellers), About 1937, Oil on canvas, 46 1/4 x 36 inches, Gift of the Honorable Jefferson Patterson, 1959.3 [DAI Gallery 204]

Martínez combined subjects from his native Mexico with the bold colors and abstract compositions of modern European art, which he studied in Paris. Following the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), Martínez was a leading figure among Mexican artists who emphasized national identity in their work. Martínez described his approach as “forging the way toward the birth of a genuine national art.” The healthy figures and abundant fruit represent a land and people healthy and fertile in a country of great opportunity.

Reason to consider: A painter, muralist and educator, Martinez who lived and worked in Mexico, Paris and Los Angeles is considered by many to be the Father of Mexican Modernism. He is best known for his serene and empathic paintings of traditional Mexican people and scenes of everyday life. The library is an important part of everyday life to the many patrons, including new Americans, who regularly use the Burkhardt Branch.