The University of Pennsylvania’s Arthur Ross Gallery is set to make a grand re-entry into the art world with its upcoming exhibition, “After Modernism: Selections From the Neumann Family Collection”. This carefully curated showcase promises to be a thought-provoking journey through the evolution of modern and contemporary art, challenging viewers to reconsider the role of art in our current era.
Curated by the esteemed Dr. Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Faculty Director and art historian, “After Modernism” delves deep into the prestigious Neumann Family Collection. This vast collection, amassed over seven decades, boasts more than 3,000 artworks that span the breadth of 20th and 21st-century artistic expression. The exhibition will feature 50 carefully selected pieces, offering a panoramic view of art’s trajectory from the early modernists to today’s cutting-edge creators.
Visitors will embark on a visual odyssey, encountering works by titans of modernism such as Picasso, Miro, and Matisse, before transitioning to late 20th-century icons like Jeff Koons and Keith Haring. The journey culminates with contemporary pieces by rising stars Allison Zuckerman, Danny Farrell, and Nina Chanel Abney, providing a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving art landscape.
“After Modernism” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of renewal and transformation. The newly renovated Arthur Ross Gallery, with its restored Neo-Gothic interiors, provides a stunning backdrop that bridges the gap between historical significance and contemporary relevance. This juxtaposition of timeless architecture and forward-thinking art creates a unique viewing experience that challenges perceptions and ignites dialogue.
Dr. Shaw’s curatorial approach goes beyond chronological presentation, instead opting for an immersive, salon-style installation. This innovative display method encourages viewers to draw connections between works spanning over a century, from 1919 to 2022. By doing so, the exhibition invites contemplation on themes of finitude, openness, and the viewer’s relationship with the metaphysical in art.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “After Modernism” is its exploration of the driving forces behind contemporary art’s evolution. The exhibition posits a provocative question: What if the trajectory of contemporary art was shaped more by the intellectual and personal relationships between artists and collectors, rather than by critics, curators, and the speculative art market? This fresh perspective offers visitors a new lens through which to view the development of modern and contemporary art.
As the inaugural exhibition under Dr. Shaw’s directorship, “After Modernism” sets a new standard for artistic exploration and scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. It not only showcases the depth and breadth of the Neumann Family Collection but also reaffirms Penn’s position as a center for artistic discovery and academic excellence.
“After Modernism: Selections from the Neumann Family Collection” will be on view from January 17 to March 2, 2025, marking a new era for the Arthur Ross Gallery and offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most significant works of the past century and beyond.
