“William Richards: The Vastness Beyond Vision” at the Akron Art Museum

MUUS Collection is thrilled to announce the first retrospective exhibition for image-maker William Richards, debuting on January 11, 2025, at the Akron Art Museum, where it will be on view through July 27, 2025.

As a creative director in the Mad Men era of advertising, Richards created unique photographic prints and assemblages through the use of reflective surfaces, yielding kaleidoscopes of color. The resulting chromogenic prints are evocative of a bygone era and mark an important point in the history of abstract photography as it evolved to incorporate color, of which Richards was an early adopter.

Through his commercial work in the world of advertising, Richards was the recipient of a multitude of art directing awards alongside an impressive roster of clients; his photographic work, conversely, was a more personal affair. Over the five decades in which he created these images, Richards rarely exhibited his work, save for a string of local shows in the late 1980s.

William Richards: The Vastness Beyond Vision marks the first survey of his work, curated by Jeffrey Katzin, PhD, Senior Curator at the Akron Art Museum. “From his unique position as both an artist working in a technological medium and an advertising director working on behalf of leading technological and industrial firms, William Richards met the moment in which he lived,” said Katzin. “The color, energy, and experimental uniqueness of his abstract works effectively reflect the optimism and exhilaration of his era. I am thrilled to bring new attention to his work and to share it with our audience through this exhibition."

MUUS Collection’s mission is to bring to light works by artists who never received the recognition they deserved in their lifetime, and we are delighted to collaborate with the Akron Art Museum to produce this exhibition and accompanying catalogue. Located in the heart of downtown Akron, the Akron Art Museum is renowned for its commitment to showcasing modern and contemporary art. This exhibition, William Richards: The Vastness Beyond Vision, exemplifies the Museum’s dedication to exploring innovative artists whose work bridges creative and cultural movements. Visitors can experience this extraordinary collection during the Museum's regular hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with free admission) and Special events and tours will further engage audiences with Richards' photography.