Revolting Hoosier: A Modest
Biography of Elmer Taflinger

a 43-minute documentary
by Laura Taflinger

Elmer Taflinger (1891-1980) was a figurative artist of the classic school, beloved teacher, and outspoken art critic. Having lived in New York for a dozen years, going to art school and working as an art director on Broadway, and in Florence, Italy for a few years, Elmer returned to Indianapolis to teach and live. He left behind several large murals and designed the Ruins at Holliday Park. Information about Elmer was gathered from news clippings, interviews with students, and his unpublished memoirs, titled "Revolting Hoosier: A Modest Autobiography." Here's a funny story from his writings. Laura's grandfather was Elmer's cousin.

Download 60-sec RealPlayer trailer!

"The Triumph of the Ideal," detail of fresco

Example of Elmer's figure drawing