Current Exhibitions
Great Expectations: Aristocratic Children in European Portraiture
On view through June 8, 2008
Contemporary Connections: WORD
On view through June 15, 2008
Paul Shambroom: Picturing Power
On view through September 14, 2008
Eye Spy: Adventures in Art
Ongoing
Great Expectations: Aristocratic Children in European Portraiture
February 15 - June 8, 2008
This collection of 40 paintings from the Jakober Foundation collection (in Mallorca, Spain) features Old Master portraits of European royal and aristocratic children, including Louis XIII of France, Louis XV of France, Charles I of England, and Charles II of Spain. These portraits of children and adolescents open a window onto a fascinating world that has long passed. In societies governed by dynastic descent, children played a surprisingly important role as the portraits in this exhibition demonstrate. A boy might be thrust upon his country's throne under the tutelage of a regent; a little girl could be betrothed to forge a foreign alliance. Political necessity as much as the natural interest to preserve their likenesses, accounts for many of the sumptuous portraits of royal and aristocratic children that have survived from the 16th through the 19th centuries. This exhibition was organized by the Trust for Museum Exhibitions.
Learn more about the exbibit.
Find and view photos from the Great Expectations photo gallery.
Contemporary Connections: WORD
On view through June 15, 2008
Contemporary Connections is an innovative space at CMA that encourages new ways to explore the diverse and challenging art of our time. The gallery is devoted to rotating thematic installations that present contemporary art in close context with historical works from our collection. The juxtapositions illuminate the hidden heritage behind new forms of expression, while offering fresh perspectives on the more familiar art of the past.
WORD explores the many uses of language by artists past and present. Among the diverse works on view are medieval illuminated manuscripts, Cubist collages, folk art sculptures, and Pop prints. All utilize language for sundry purposes, including storytelling, concrete poetry, and visual pattern. Among the contemporary artists included are Ed Ruscha, Cary Leibowitz, and Ohio natives Jenny Holzer and Ann Hamilton. Their works in WORD create a stimulating dialogue with historic works by artists such as Jean Clouet, Diego Rivera, and Norman Rockwell.
Paul Shambroom: Picturing Power
May 10 - September 14, 2008
Picturing Power brings together for the first time selections from Paul Shambroom's five most important series to date--"Factories" (1986-88), "Offices" (1989-90), "Nuclear Weapons" (1992-2001), "Meetings" (1999-2003), and the ongoing series "Homeland Security" (begun in 2004). In "Picturing Power" Shambroom addresses the places and practices of power in America. Together these series explore how everyday citizens intersect with the dominant institutions of their times. Shambroom's images are remarkable both for their stark portrayal of people and places of power and as evidence of his access to the sites. Negotiating access in an open and democratic manner is a hallmark of the artist's process. Embodying curiosity, persistence, and empathy, Shambroom's work illustrates and champions engaged citizenship and democracy. This exhibition was organized by The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota; the University Art Museum, California State University. Long Beach; and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center.
Eye Spy: Adventures in Art
Ongoing
Eye Spy, an interactive exhibition for children and families, features important objects from the Museum's collections displayed in architectural settings that relate to the time and place they were made. The center features four areas where, through a variety of games, puzzles, computer stations, and "make and take" art projects, visitors take a behind-the-scenes look at museums, learn about the carvings of Elijah Pierce, and the life and art of George Bellows.