Minneapolis/St. Paul

The Twin Cities, at the edge of the world.

This whimsical representation of Minneapolis and St. Paul was designed and copywritten by George Bedell in 1981. Major buildings from each of the Twin Cities are represented with faithful accuracy, with the Mighty Mississippi bisecting the pair. The surrounding geographic context is quite abstract, perhaps to reflect the view from a plane.

The massive H-4 Hercules (better known as the Spruce Goose), the largest propeller-driven craft ever built, is gliding over the scene. Two stars are noted on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts – possibly indicating the print was designed in relation to the contemporary questions about the aircraft’s uncertain future. Bedell graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and continues to work professionally today (mostly in photography).