Guy Nelson: Tales from the Understory

April 10 – July 20, 2025

Guy Nelson’s Tales from the Understory is the tenth exhibition in Museum’s Art Makers series, which is underwritten by Dr. William F. Wosick of Fargo. The Art Makers award is given annually to regional artists, or those with connections to the region, to support the creation of new works based on a singular idea or theme. This may also include a film screening, performance, reading, or other public participatory events.

Guy Nelson, born in Fargo, North Dakota, and raised in Moorhead, Minnesota, holds an MFA from Pratt Institute and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2000. He lives and works in Minneapolis, often traveling to his land in southeastern North Dakota, where he manages a plot under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Nelson’s work has been exhibited in galleries such as WICK, Transmitter Gallery, and UICA. His work is also in private collections across the U.S.

For over two decades, Guy Nelson has explored various aspects of the natural world, ranging from animals to plants, and advocates for the environment. His interests have included exploring how color influences attraction and defense, mutualism, mimicry, and the impact of human activity. His deep connection to the upper Midwest is a foundation for self-discovery and reflection.

In Tales from the Understory, Nelson broadens his exploration to focus on the discoveries and mysteries of woodlands and prairies and the challenges plants face. These narratives draw parallels to human experiences, emphasizing self-preservation, community, and adaptability. An understory is the area of the forest opposite the canopy, which is rich in material and relationships that continue to drive Nelson.

Nelson focused on creating sculptures and videos using natural and synthetic materials for years. In 2016, he shifted his attention to painting but occasionally works on other projects. Most paintings in Tales from the Understory are acrylic painted on linen, enhanced by acrylic mediums for fluidity. The use of acrylic spray paint helps create a vibrant surface that reflects the complexity of the outdoors. Through layers, brush strokes, and color placement, the viewer is encouraged to slow down and, by focusing, experience an unfolding where the paintings give back, much like the natural world.

Nelson provides us with glimpses of settings that feel both familiar and mystical, incorporating subtle hints of narratives and the unexplained.

Alongside his personal experiences, he intertwines these tales within his work. Recently, inspired by his two young daughters, youth has been included in his paintings. By managing woodlands and prairies, Nelson practices land stewardship and views his actions on the land as tied to his studio work. The natural world connects him to something greater. It is where he looks for answers and leaves with more questions.