About the Artist

The NIC is so excited to announce our summer main gallery exhibit, Visions of Harry Jackson, on display from June 7th through August 24th. 

This collection, generously loaned by the Harry Jackson Institute, features nearly 200 pieces, both paintings and sculptures, spanning the entire life of one of Wyoming’s most prolific artists and one of the most seismic creative voices of the 20th century.

Harry Jackson, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1924, ran away to Cody, Wyoming at 14 to both work as a cowboy on the Pitchfork Ranch and also pursue his artistic ambitions.  At 18, Jackson enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, becoming the youngest ever Marine combat artist. Following Jackson’s experience in the war (where he was wounded twice, leaving him with lifelong effects) his artistic career exploded, first with the abstract expressionist movement after being inspired by the work of fellow Wyoming-born artist Jackson Pollock. Harry Jackson’s career would not be limited to the world of abstract expressionism; throughout the 20th century, Jackson would sign his name to works of numerous artistic movements and mediums, including an incredibly successful career as one of the most recognizable American Western artists. His depiction of John Wayne’s character portrayal as Rooster Cogburn was featured on the cover of Time Magazine.

Visions of Harry Jackson at The NIC will feature works from Harry’s childhood to end of life and paint a portrait of one of the 20th century’s most visionary and enigmatic artists.