Ever wondered what 198 square feet of chickens looks like? Wonder no more, because you can see them in person at WAM.

WAM is excited to announce the return of the famous “chicken painting” (officially titled Untitled) by Minnesota artist Doug Argue.

Argue’s work was on prominent display at WAM’s grand re-opening in 1993, and quickly became a staple piece in WAM’s galleries. Standing at approximately 11 feet high by 18 feet wide, (hence the 198 square feet) the “chicken painting” spent 18 years as a centerpiece at the Weisman.

The painting’s long term loan came to an end when the owner, Gerard Cafesjian, sent it to Armenia for an exhibition featuring Doug Argue. The exhibition, titled Doug Argue: Chicken Paintings displayed several of Argue’s paintings depicting chickens and was on display from October 2013 - March 2014. (Need more chickens? Check it out here.)

Upon Gerard Cafesjian’s passing in 2013, his daughter Kathleen Baradaran became president of the family’s foundation. Baradaran recently called WAM’s director Lyndel King, to ask if WAM was interested in once again displaying the chicken painting.

“I gave an immediate and enthusiastic yes!” King said. “We are so grateful to Kathleen Baradaran and the estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian for giving old friends the opportunity to reconnect with the painting and for being able to introduce it to new visitors at WAM.”

Come see the “chicken painting” this summer and celebrate its return to the Twin Cities!