On display Nov 7, 2014 – Mar 29, 2015
The diverse artworks brought together by a process of “Hunting + Gathering” are grouped thematically in ways intended to open up a reading of the work through new and unexpected juxtapositions. The title refers to the curatorial process of developing and cultivating the growth of the Museum’s permanent collection. As a collecting institution, the New Mexico Museum of Art holds artworks on behalf of the public with the intention of caring for the works and making them accessible to visitors. The Museum’s mission and established collecting criteria guide curators in evaluating art offered and in seeking out work that will enhance the collection. In this exhibition, artworks that might not otherwise be shown together are arranged in creative contexts making use of this opportunity to showcase new additions to the Museum’s holdings.
While it is true that most museums show only a portion of their collection at any given time, growing art holdings expands museum capacity. Artwork that enters the collection now may not be shown immediately but gives curators more choices in designing future exhibitions. An unchanging permanent collection installation can get stale. Having options for a variety of collections-based exhibitions shows off the vibrancy of the collection and engages audiences by making the art come alive in novel ways. Artworks in the collection are utilized in other ways as well. They are a resource for scholars and researchers of art, for example. Museums also loan artworks to other institutions which allows new audiences to see the art in person. Museums hold art in the public trust and make the works of art accessible.
Hunting + Gathering presents a sampling of artworks that have entered the Museum of Art’s collection since 2010. The exhibition comprises nearly 200 works of art in a range of media that includes painting, photography, sculpture, prints, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, and drawings. The exhibition encompasses a broad cross-section of work by artists working locally and internationally. Among the artists included are Joyce Neimanas, Francisco Zúñiga, Woody Gwyn, Martha Opdahl, Betty Hahn, John Garrett, Richard Diebenkorn, Sol LeWitt, Robert Motherwell, Louise Crow, Will Wilson, Jennifer Schlesinger Hanson, Ansel Adams, Gustave Baumann, David Taylor, Fritz Scholder, John Beech, Harry Callahan, Imogen Cunningham, Robert Heinecken, Brett Weston, Donna Ruff, and many others.