Unfinished Conversations: New Work from the Collection
The Museum of Modern Art
New York, 11 West 53rd Street
Culled from the museum’s collection of contemporary art, Unfinished Conversations is MoMA’s response to the prevalent social and political unrest that has gained serious momentum not only in the United States, but all over the globe in recent years. From the rise of conservative rhetoric to intolerance directed at different racial, religious or ideological groups, this tumult has impacted the art world as much as it has inspired towards more politically-engaged art. Therefore, MoMA’s group exhibition comes as a timely reaction this severe socio-political tension as well as a vivid proof that art remains an acute and inspiring mirror of the reality.
Kara Walker (American, born 1969). 40 Acres of Mules. 2015. Charcoal on three sheets of paper. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © 2017 Kara Walker
The artists, among which are Kara Walker, Simon Denny, Wolfgang Hillmans, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Paul Chan, Andrea Bowers, Samuel Fosso, Jonathas de Andrade, and Villar Rojas, either adopt indirect and subtle methods to weigh on certain historic milestones from the history of mankind, or make fierce and uncompromising comments on the grave impacts of racism, xenophobia, economic unjust or prejudice that impact countless individuals.
Jonathas de Andrade (Brazilian, born 1982). The Uprising (O Levante). 2013. Video (color, sound), The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © 2017 Jonathas de Andrade
Composed of works that have been recently acquired, the exhibition offers an insightful look at the museum’s expanding collection of art of the present. In line with rapidly transforming understandings on production methods, beauty, and the artist’s role in the society, Unfinished Conversations reflect on the most cutting-edge artistic trends on global scale. Named after John Akomfrah’s three-channel video installation from 2012, the exhibition is curated by Klaus Biesenbach, Lucy Gallun, Thomas Lax, Christian Rettemeyer, Yasmil Raymond, and Elizabeth Henderson from various departments at the museum.
The exhibition runs through July 30th.
