In 1968, the founding director of the Sheldon Museum of Art Norman Geske was chosen to be the curator for the United States’ pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

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Geske’s selection for the position was a shock to many and the selections he chose for the event were controversial. Geske chose pieces of art that vered away from the minimalist art of the time. His selections included pieces that were more representative of reality.

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The pieces that are on display in the current gallery are by artists who were featured at the Biennale.