Old KU stadium becomes KC artist's canvas
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Knappenberger in her studio with "Game Day Flag." Photo: Courtesy of Megh Knappenberger
Kansas City artist Megh Knappenberger turned old to new, using literal chunks from KU's previous stadium in a new painting that now adorns its renovated halls.
The big picture: Her commissioned painting of the KU Game Day Flag in the shape of the state of Kansas is an homage to the university's history and tradition.
Zoom in: Knappenberger, who is a KU alum, tells Axios she incorporated pieces of concrete, paint, turf and track from the old stadium into her work, which she chiseled, peeled, and pulled off herself.
- She also worked with an archivist to pull original stadium blueprints, which she then photographed and incorporated into the work.
- And she worked on a real retired Game Day Flag, which once flew on Fraser Hall.
What she's saying: "There was so much history to work with," Knappenberger says, adding that the project was "one of my most ambitious to date."
- "I do a lot of research before I do a painting."
Zoom out: Knappenberger has partnered with KU before, recreating all six official versions of the Jayhawk in her iconic style and incorporating "rock-chalk," a name for a type of limestone native to the state and also part of KU's famous chant.
Fun fact: Knappenberger, who often works with "unconventional materials," says she has also done paintings using personal artifacts and diamonds.
If you go: You can find Knappenberger's painting at the stadium's southwest corner on the ground floor by the suite elevators.