Material Abstractions includes the work of twenty-four artists whose work explores a diverse representation of abstract art. The history of abstraction has typically focused on a sequential progression of heroic individuals in Western art “discovering” abstract art in the early 20th century. By contrast, Material Abstractions acknowledges the global and diverse traditions of abstract art, many of which predate Western developments. The exhibition also features works of fiber art including weavings, quilts, and fabric constructions. Such works are often inherently abstract in their underlying structure or bear decorative abstract motifs yet have traditionally been excluded from the narratives about abstract art because of their status as a decorative art or craft. Above all, Material Abstractions highlights abstract art that embraces the unique communicative power of materials including paint, wool, wood, hemp, bamboo, clay, metal oxides, glass, leather, mirrors, repurposed books, animal bones, and seashells to name but a few examples. These materials appeal not only to sight, but also to touch and sound to invoke a multisensory experience. For many artists featured in the exhibition, the historical traces or personal stories embedded in materials release information that fundamentally shape understanding of a work of art.
All works in this exhibition come from the permanent collection of the Museum and provide an overview of the depth and range of artists in the collection.