Look Again: Encountering the Art of Otto Duecker

August 12, 2026 - January 23, 2027

Reception | October 1, 2026

Otto Duecker (1948–2026) was an American realist painter celebrated for his astonishingly lifelike portraits and still lifes. This fall, the OSU Museum of Art will present the first retrospective of his work, honoring his artistic legacy.

The exhibition traces Duecker’s remarkable career, from his “drifters” series of the 1970s and playful cut-out figures and garments to his trompe-l’oeil “notes” paintings and dazzling compositions of floating fruit. His meticulous technique—painting on specially prepared canvases with tiny brushes and a maul stick—reflects an old-world tradition of illusionism, echoing 17th-century Dutch masters as well as American painters William Harnett and J. F. Peto.

Duecker’s work invites curiosity and delight, captivating viewers with its precision and quiet wit. As an OSU alumnus, this retrospective carries special significance, offering a moment to reflect on his life’s work and celebrate his lasting impact. A catalogue is planned to accompany the exhibition and commemorate his legacy.