{"product_id":"banana-improvisation-robert-lohman-c-1981","title":"Banana Improvisation - Robert Lohman, c. 1981","description":"\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte-table-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003ctable height=\"1543\" style=\"width: 98.087%;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"53\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBanana Improvisation*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"56\" data-start=\"53\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"88\" data-start=\"56\"\u003eRobert Lohman, c. 1981\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"7dbb9ce6-002d-4a76-84f7-6af88d3e62f9\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"515\"\u003eRobert Lohman’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"38\" data-end=\"62\"\u003eBanana Improvisation\u003c\/strong\u003e is a lively study in chromatic gesture, abstraction, and visual rhythm. The repeated yellow crescent forms immediately suggest bananas, but Lohman does not treat the subject as still life or botanical observation. Instead, he converts the banana motif into a flexible formal device like an arc, a flourish, a directional marker, and a rhythmic unit that moves across the sheet like a joyful procession.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"1033\"\u003eThe composition is organized through a loose horizontal drive across the page. Forms appear to stride, swing, and bend from left to right, creating the sensation of animated movement rather than fixed arrangement. The yellow arcs serve as the dominant visual refrain, appearing in multiple registers: upright, suspended, curving downward, and sweeping outward. These forms hold the composition together while also destabilizing it, because they refuse to remain merely descriptive. They are bananas, but they are also gestures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003eLohman’s use of line is central to the work’s underpinnings of a study of movement and line. The dark linear marks do not simply outline the forms; they act as a kind of graphic scaffolding. They bend around color, interrupt it, and occasionally extend beyond it, suggesting an artist thinking through movement rather than enclosing objects. The drawing has a calligraphic quality, with lines functioning almost like handwriting or notation. This gives the work an improvisational structure. The image feels composed in the moment, yet it retains a clear internal logic of an artist exploring the intersection between movement and line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"2050\"\u003eColor operates with striking economy. The palette is dominated by yellow, pink, gray, black, and pale tones, with the yellow providing warmth and visual immediacy. Pink passages soften the composition and introduce a more playful, fleshy, almost theatrical counterpoint. Gray and black marks provide necessary grounding. Without them, the piece might become lost. Instead, the darker tones give the work structure, shadow, and a slightly rigid edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2052\" data-end=\"2546\"\u003eThe work’s humor is important. \u003cstrong data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2107\"\u003eBanana Improvisation\u003c\/strong\u003e is not solemn abstraction. It has wit, bounce, and a sense of visual play. Yet the humor does not make the piece minor. Lohman uses a humble, almost absurd subject as a vehicle for formal experimentation. The banana becomes a modernist shape that is curved, portable, instantly recognizable, and capable of repetition. In this sense, the work participates in a broader twentieth-century tendency to transform ordinary objects into abstract signs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2548\" data-end=\"2949\"\u003eThere is also a faint figural quality in the composition. Several forms suggest legs, feet, torsos, or theatrical poses. The image seems to hover between still life, dance, cartoon, and musical notation. That instability is part of its charm. Lohman allows the viewer to recognize fragments without demanding a single fixed reading. The composition remains open, playful, and intentionally unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n-\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonathan Flike\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6 class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e*The title of this work was assigned by Visard Gallery.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"8414\" data-start=\"8106\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"8123\" data-start=\"8106\"\u003eRobert Lohman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e was an American artist associated with Indiana modernism, recognized as both a sculptor and painter. The National Gallery of Art identifies Lohman as an American artist, 1919–2001, and holds examples of his 1966 bronze medallic work created with the Medallic Art Company in its collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"8993\" data-start=\"8416\"\u003eLohman worked across a wide range of media, including watercolor, oil, wood, plaster, ceramics, and bronze. Biographical sources identify him as a portrait and figure sculptor as well as a painter, with formal study at the John Herron Art Institute, Cranbrook, and Yale. He assisted the noted sculptor Carl Milles at Cranbrook Academy and later served as Director of Fine Arts at Cranbrook from 1947 to 1949. Lohman also taught at Washington University in St. Louis and the Indianapolis Art League, where he remained connected to art education and regional modernist practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"9475\" data-start=\"8995\"\u003eHis work often moves between figuration and abstraction, reflecting the eye of a sculptor and the freedom of a modernist draftsman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"9475\" data-start=\"8995\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderrepresented Artist Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"9475\" data-start=\"8995\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Lohman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e may also be understood within the broader history of underrepresented LGBT artists in the American Midwest. Documentary records connect him closely with Jerrol T. Davis of Indianapolis, who served as Secretary-Treasurer of Robert Lohman, Inc.; Davis’s obituary confirms his role in Lohman’s company, and later memorial sources identify him as Lohman’s spouse. While historical records from this period often leave same-sex relationships only partially documented, the available evidence points to a significant personal and professional partnership that adds important context to Lohman’s life and legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Shipping Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN\/A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Modern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Abstract\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYear: 1981\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 12 x 9 in (30.48 x 22.86 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium: Mixed media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature: Signed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirculation status: One of a kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame Status: Unframed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"119\"\u003eVintage Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"122\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePlease note that this item is vintage and shows wear consistent with age, use, and history. Signs of wear may include, but are not limited to, minor surface marks, patina, fading, or imperfections typical of older items. All items are sold\u003cstrong\u003e as-is\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is standard with vintage and pre-owned goods and cannot be returned on the basis of condition. Measurements are approximate. We do our best to describe items accurately; however, condition assessments are subjective. If you would like additional details, images, or clarification before purchasing, please contact us through the contact form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Condition Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN\/A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1981-Unknown\u003c\/strong\u003e: Robert Lohman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnknown - 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Collector\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026\u003c\/strong\u003e: Ripley's Auctions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026-Present\u003c\/strong\u003e: Visard Gallery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Provenance and attribution details are based on our best research and are offered in good faith but are not guaranteed. Please contact us through the contact form with any questions prior to purchase.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcademic Resources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/7v6b697fdgsoyq7fv8z8r\/AOoojaiTQy2gQ6d3HFlYp5Y?rlkey=b5y5kuh8vrwt3n9h2bg93ilkj\u0026amp;st=dhusmlzy\u0026amp;dl=0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/azy0g1jiiuwoqobunfvnr\/AGNcmO5EW9EmfgkXAAtYTGg?rlkey=4fny60lhndc49gpfh98y8e84j\u0026amp;st=45vm26dt\u0026amp;dl=0\" style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search?q=Robert+Lohman\u0026amp;searchField=ArtistCulture\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Collection at the Met\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nga.gov\/artworks\/177610-nature-obverse\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(80, 197, 215);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eRobert Lohman Collection at the National Gallery of Art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Visard Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46504318730401,"sku":"ART118","price":260.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/6072\/0801\/files\/ART118_RobertLohman_BananaImprovisation_Full.png?v=1780543821","url":"https:\/\/visardgallery.com\/products\/banana-improvisation-robert-lohman-c-1981","provider":"Visard Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}