The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has recently announced a major expansion of its collection, integrating approximately 85 new pieces of modern and contemporary art. This significant acquisition encompasses a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, new media installations, and photography. Notable artists represented in this collection include Ruth Asawa, whose retrospective originated at SFMOMA, Nan Goldin, Kay WalkingStick, Yoshitomo Nara, Dorothea Lange, and Eugène Atget. This strategic move aims to broaden the museum's narrative, fostering a more encompassing understanding of art from our era.
Christopher Bedford, the director of SFMOMA, highlighted the importance of these additions in a public statement. He emphasized that every acquired artwork, irrespective of its medium\u2014be it photography, painting, ceramics, fiber art, design, or digital media\u2014serves to underscore art's crucial role in deepening our comprehension of the world and each other. Bedford further articulated the museum's objective: these new acquisitions will advance its mission to present a more expansive and inclusive account of contemporary art history. This aligns with SFMOMA's dedication to showcasing diverse perspectives and artistic voices.
In line with its inclusive vision, SFMOMA has made a concerted effort to acquire works by prominent Indigenous artists. Among these are pieces by Kay WalkingStick, Raven Chacon, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, and Cannupa Hanska Luger. Luger's video, 'Mirror Shield Project: River (The Water Serpent),' documents a compelling performance from 2016 near Standing Rock, North Dakota, which involved mirror shields. Similarly, Chacon's sound installation, 'Storm Pattern,' created in 2021, draws inspiration from the powerful Standing Rock resistance movement. These acquisitions not only enrich the museum's collection but also shed light on critical cultural and historical events through artistic interpretation.
Several of these newly acquired works are set to be displayed on the museum's first floor starting January 24. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience Chacon's installation, videos by Gerald Clark and Luger, and dynamic digital kinetic paintings from the late 1980s by Palestinian artist Samia Halaby. This initiative ensures that the public can engage with a broad spectrum of artistic creations and narratives soon after their integration into the museum's holdings.
The acquisitions were facilitated through various channels. Some artworks were generously gifted to the museum, such as Nara's unique urethane-coated bronze sculpture, 'Long Tall Peace Sister,' from 2024. Other significant pieces, including Sheila Hicks's textile sculpture 'Rempart' from 2016, Goldin's impactful photograph 'Lola Modeling at The Other Side, Boston' from 1972, and Lenore Chin's evocative painting 'The Family' from 1991, were procured using the museum's deaccession fund. This blend of donations and strategic purchases underscores SFMOMA's multifaceted approach to collection development.
The integration of these 85 artworks into the SFMOMA collection marks a pivotal moment for the institution. By embracing a wide array of mediums and actively seeking out works by underrepresented artists, particularly Indigenous creators, the museum is reinforcing its commitment to presenting a dynamic and comprehensive panorama of modern and contemporary art. This expansion not only enhances the museum's artistic depth but also strengthens its role as a vital cultural hub that reflects and engages with the complex narratives of our time.